Paintbrushes, Prayer, and Potluck Shrimp:
How an Episcopal Art Show Became the Heartbeat of Delavan
Fourteen years. Forty-six artists. One very joyful community.
What do you get when you mix a handful of church artists, a pot of acrylic paint, a labyrinth, and a few trays of shrimp and crackers? If you're Christ Church in Delavan, you get Inspired Reflections, a five-day art show that's part gallery, part spiritual retreat, part community potluck—and entirely beloved.
Heritage:
The story starts in 2010, when the parish decided to invite folks to reflect during Holy Week with visual art. The first show, then called Art as Prayer, was a modest but heartfelt display: ten artists, twenty or so pieces, mostly from parishioners and Sunday School students. It was timed to complement services for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. And it planted a seed.
Over time, and especially following a major church renovation in 2011–2012 (new rooms, new floors, a labyrinth, improved accessibility), the art show became a way to invite people in—not just to see the art, but to experience the transformed sacred space. Artists were encouraged to share not only their work but the reflections, prayers, and inspirations behind it. Labyrinth walks were offered. A beautiful convergence of visual art and contemplative practice began to take root.
And then the show grew. And grew. And grew.
How big did it get?
Artists from the wider community began to join. Some were connected through parishioners; others came via local galleries like Geneva Lake Arts Foundation or Gallery 223. One artist, an art teacher, even brought 25 of her students to show their work. Fabric artists, sculptors, photographers, quilters, woodworkers, needlepoint artists, and even welders joined in.
Each year, the Art Committee gathered in December or January to plan and again after the show to reflect, revise, and improve. In 2022, they translated the call for artists into both English and Spanish to better welcome Delavan’s vibrant Hispanic/Latino community. In 2023, they changed the show’s name to Inspired Reflections, making space for both Christian and non-Christian artists to participate fully. Artists now share what inspired their work—some include scripture or prayer; others write about nature, struggle, grief, joy, or memory.
By 2023, the show featured over 200 art pieces from 45+ artists and welcomed 525+ visitors. Interactive art activities were introduced, like a children’s scratchboard station and a community loom. A new hanging system—funded by parishioners and artist donations—allowed more pieces to be displayed safely and beautifully. The show also added live music, spoken word, and dance performances, creating a full-sensory experience.
In 2024, they experimented with Open Mic performances during the Artists Reception—but quickly realized that while poetry and music are beautiful, that precious Wednesday evening is best reserved for artist-to-guest conversations. Lesson learned—and joyfully implemented. Saturday and Sunday, especially with the Delavan Train Show in town, drew even more guests. That year welcomed nearly 500 visitors, 48+ artists, and over 180 pieces.
Then came 2025.
With 275+ pieces, 46 artists, and 520+ visitors, the Inspired Reflections Art Show hit a new high. Twelve artists showed their work for the very first time—and many said they'd be back next year. Artists and parishioners alike brought lighting, easels, and candles and helped each other with set-up and clean-up. Volunteers greeted guests, served food, and even created reels and videos for social media.
Appetizers and beverages flowed freely, thanks to generous donations of everything from cookies to crabmeat. Amidst the cheese trays and conversation, something sacred happened: connection, community, and joy. One artist summed it up best: “We might just be resurrecting the Artist Colony that once thrived in Delavan!”
And they’re not wrong. Back in the early 1900s, Delavan was home to a flourishing community of artists—many from the Art Institute of Chicago—alongside architects like Frank Lloyd Wright. Add to that a rich history of Big Band music and 26 traveling circuses (yes, including Barnum & Bailey), and it’s no surprise that Inspired Reflections feels right at home here.
So What is Next?
Looking ahead to 2026, the dreams are big and bold:
Welcome back even more returning and new artists
Expand the hanging system and improve gallery lighting
Deepen outreach to Latino/Hispanic artists in the community
Include more performance art, especially on Saturday
Time the show with the Delavan Train Show again for maximum foot traffic
Offer live music throughout the exhibit
And maybe… just maybe… officially help relaunch a new Delavan Art Colony
Advice for Starting:
Advice for other churches thinking of starting something similar?
Start where you are. Use what you have.
Here are a few more suggestions from the Christ Church team:
Begin with your own congregation. Artists may be hiding in plain sight—painters, poets, quilters, knitters, costume-makers, photographers, woodworkers, bakers (yes, that counts).
Get support from your clergy, vestry, and ministry leaders. Add the effort to your prayer list and ask your prayer groups to lift it up.
Don’t wait for perfection. That one parishioner who makes Old World Wisconsin costumes? Invite her to do a fashion show. That kid in confirmation class who doodles in the margins? Let him exhibit something.
Use what you have. Create liturgical art displays with altar guild pieces. Hang kids' art in the narthex. Offer a beginner art class. Hold a youth art show. Invite someone to lead icon writing. Be playful.
Think seasonally—Lent, Advent, All Saints, Creation Season. Art can be integrated year-round.
Look to your community: dance studios, school music groups, poets, writers, drama clubs, galleries. You might be surprised who says yes.
Above all: start with prayer. Trust that the Spirit is already moving. And remember: even a single sketch, sculpture, or watercolor can stir a soul, spark a calling, or offer someone a glimpse of grace they didn’t know they needed.
And if all else fails, shrimp helps.
Thanks to the 2025 Art Show Committee: Roberta & Kasey Karstetter, David Buchanan, Linda Christian, Steve & Joan Hay for helping put together this wonderful reflection moment. Want to talk to one of the Art Show Committee members? Contemplating starting something similar? Email info@diowis.org and we will put you in touch!
