RELIGIOUS ART | NEWS OF WEEK

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS NEWS
By TAHLIB

Would you risk everything to pursue your calling? For two weeks, artists in Tunisia have faced the choice between following their calling in the face of death threats, or relenting to fear. Even though the rioting by Islamic extremists has ended (with one death), the artists still face persecution but are pushing forward. To follow a calling requires determination, and it means having faith. The Quran (3:193) reads, "we have heard a caller calling", and when artists understand their calling, they move forward no matter how terrible things get. What would you risk to pursue your calling? That is why these Tunisian heroes (including above) are the NEWS OF WEEK.

In other Religious Art news from across the USA, and the world:

• Three Broadway productions, "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Godspell" and "Sister Act" all announced plans to close due to poor ticket sales. [More: Christian News]
• The founding director of the Museum of Biblical Art, a national leader in blending Judeo-Christian art exhibitions in secular ways announced her departure after 15 years. [More: Judaic News]
• Artists in Tunisia's Printemps des Arts fair launched a petition to obtain international support for their creative freedom as government forces worked to bring the protests to an end. [More: Islamic News]
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art opened "Buddhism Along the Silk Road: 5th-8th Century" which  sheds light on a religious, economic and military history. [More: Buddhist News]
• Tyeb Mehta's painting, "Mahishasura" (1996) of a Hindu god was purchased for $2.15 million at auction on Monday. [More: Hindu News]
• Summer Solstice brought Pagans & Wiccans together to celebrate at Stonehenge, and around the world. [More: Other Faith's News]

WANT MORE interfaith art news? Get your daily dose of Alpha Omega Arts on Facebook and/or Twitter, or just come back each day. We also invite you to join us as a voting member of the A&O Contemporary Religious Art Society, and to invite a friend to join too! It's another great way to keep up with gatherings of like-minded people who share your interest in Religious Art. After all, who is Religious Art for? Yes, it's for Believers, but also Skeptics too!