Spring is here, and arriving along with warmer water in the Grand Rapids area are many exciting local events, such as the upcoming “Who Is My Neighbor?” Conference and Art Show. This unique event invites people of all ages to explore art and creativity within both the church and the community at large. With a number of workshops and seminars at different locations throughout downtown Grand Rapids, the conference aims to help participants understand the call to “love your neighbor as yourself” through creativity and an appreciation for the arts.

Guiding this exploration of the church and creativity from April 27 to May 11, 2014 are theologians Cecilia González-Andrieu and Nicholas Wolterstorff, who will provide unique insight through the lens of their Catholic and Calvinist perspectives, respectively. Helping the two demonstrate the intersection of faith, service, community, and creativity will be 11 artists and more than 300 works. Eight churches will act as hosts for the conference, demonstrating how art can not only bring us closer to our neighbors but also ignite spiritual passion and social change in the community.

A brief look at the numbers can help demonstrate the impact of the “Who is My Neighbor?” conference. This exciting event spans 14 days and unites seven denominations across the city of Grand Rapids, with a total of 25 workshops, including nine that feature hands-on instruction from the artists. In addition, there will be two full days of seminars and workshops available to all visitors. Another very significant number is 0, which is the cost of admission. That’s right, all of the incredible art, stimulating workshops, and inspirational discussion of church, community, and creativity is free for all to enjoy. And because of the staggering amount of exhibits and information to take in, guided ours are available for interested individuals.

Spring is the perfect time for this conference, as it can help inspire growth and rebirth of passion in faith and community. And attending the exhibits and workshops offers ample opportunities to enjoy the warmer weather, as all eight of the neighborhood churches hosting events are within walking distance, though trollies are also available.

Spanning from April 27 to May 11, the conference invites people from all walks of life – from parents to students, both those who attend church regularly and those who do not – to experience this celebration of creativity and community. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.