RELIGIOUS ART | NEWS OF WEEK

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest Disney-Britton

At the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza in Mexico, thousands chanted, danced and otherwise frolicked around ceremonial fires and pyramids to mark the conclusion of a vast, 5,125-year cycle in the Mayan calendar. The Internet generated rumor of doomsday ended in a celebration of life. On 12.21.12, Buddhists, Christians, pagans, druids and followers of Aztec and Maya religious traditions united in commitments to make a better future. While the fiscal cliff arguing politicians didn't notice, nor did the more guns in schools advocating NRA; our world since 12.21.12 has already become a better place. How is it better? Because a few believers have decided to be the change they seek, thus making the Mayan Ceremonies (above) my NEWS OF WEEK.

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

• Buddhism in Art: Secular shopping malls replacing sacred temples in Thailand. [More News]
• Christianity in Art: Sebastian Bergne's Contemporary Nativity Design. [More News]
• Hinduism in Art: Preservation of Hindu sacred spaces hindered by indifference. [More News]
• Islam in Art: New Islamic art galleries make the Lourve #1 for museum visitation. [More News]
• Judaism in Art: Dead Sea scrolls now online thanks to Google. [More News]

Have you [joined us yet]? Have you joined this movement of believers seeking to discover, promote and advance the careers of contemporary religious artists? When I began the Alpha & Omega Project for Contemporary Religious Arts, it was in response to a call to unite family and friends in celebrating artists who dare to engage religious themes. As a result, God blessed me with a growing interfaith family. Since starting, some of you have joined by making the $100 commitment to be a member of the A&O Society; others joined as annual donors supporting the A&O Prize & Scholarship Fund; and still others as member-subscribers of this RELIGIOUS ART | NEWS OF WEEK. However you've joined, please know it is valued, and as always remember Religious Art is for Believers, but also for Skeptics too.