PORT ANGELES — Mended, a nondenominational Christian Church, will host an open house at its art studio in downtown Port Angeles on Saturday.
Live music by David Rivers and his band, and food, are planned at the open house from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 123 E. First St.
Four local artists will display their personal work.
But that’s just the beginning, said Joe DeScala, pastor.
“We’ve been in the space since November, but are finally getting ready to make some real progress on our new art studio space we want to have open to the public,” DeScala said.
The organization is a division of Engage Ministries, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, according to the group’s website, www.wearemended.org.
“Our church does things a bit differently,” DeScala said.
Instead of church services, he posts sermons online.
“We also have a production studio set up in the space because all my messages are done online and viewed by those involved in Mended from their homes or in groups,” he said.
DeScala said the congregation “wanted our downtown space to be a community asset, hence the gallery.
“There is a bit of a twist on it as well. We are calling it the Giving Gallery because it is designed to highlight various organizations around town that are doing great things.”
DeScala said the church intends to “pair local artists up with organizations to create an art display that represents the heart of the organization and their mission.
“We will also provide ways for people to get involved with the organization if they wish, [and] will have extra space to display other works from our artists too.”
Among the organizations that are now working with artists to produce work are Feiro Marine Life Center and Revitalize Port Angeles, DeScala said.
Contact information for the organizations will be provided along with the artwork.
“We wanted to have an asset in downtown Port Angeles,” he said.
“We wanted to showcase local artists and benefit not only us but also the town.
“We figure the Giving Gallery portion will be a work in progress as we get up and running.”
For more information, visit www.wearemended.org.
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Reporter Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or cmcdaniel@peninsuladailynews.com.
