Mennonite Arts Weekend: Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?

The first Mennonite Arts Weekend (MAW) took place in 1991. It’s goal? To celebrate the contributions of Mennonite artists by supporting artists in their efforts to "reclaim their identity/relationship with the church." The successful event became a biennial gathering, organized and supported by members of Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship ( http://cincinnati.oh.us.mennonite.net/ ). And every other February, artists and art enthusiasts come together for a weekend of presentations, workshops, performances and worship. In doing so, MAW seeks to encourage creative expression in Mennonite communities, to provide exposure for artists working in different facets of the arts, to provide a setting for interaction and the exchange of ideas, and to bring together practicing Mennonite artists and others of all traditions interested in the arts.

 

Who comes?

Attendance at the Weekend ranges from 100-200 and is not limited to professional artists. You’ll see young and old, families with children, working artists, creative hobbyists, and those who are simply arts enthusiasts. For each event, the MAW planning committee invites 10-12 artists as guests to the Weekend, to offer presentations and performances. So you will find a number of Mennonite artists there—writers, poets, musicians, painters, sculptors, fabric artists, photographers, and more. Some names of past-presenters include Chuck Neufeld, Jeff Gundy, Marilyn Houser-Hamm, Jean Janzen, Julia Kasdorf, Greg Luginbuhl, Ken Nafziger, Mary Oyer, Lucia Unrau, Roy Yoder and Robert Regier.

 

What will I do there?

The Weekend begins Friday evening with a time for gathering, introduction of artist-presenters and singing.

On Saturday morning, there are presentations starting at 9:00 and again at 10:30. At each time, there are different sessions to choose from, so you may choose to hear from a quilt-artist at 9:00 and a painter at 10:30, or a poet at 9:00 and a singer-songwriter at 10:30. After a break for lunch (provided by MAW), there is a hymn sing with a distinguished song leader, followed by more presentations at 2:00 and at 3:30. Dinner begins at 5:30 and is followed by an Evening Performance at 7:00 that features the Weekend’s artist-presenters as well as a guest choir.

On Sunday morning, there is a worship service that includes participation from Weekend presenters, and plenty of singing.

Over the weekend, you’ll also be able to enjoy an on-site Art Exhibit featuring the work of the visual artists invited to the Weekend, with many works available for sale. Other artist-presenters and attendees will often have books, CDs, prints and artwork for sale as well.

 

Do I have to come to the entire Weekend?

The registration fee encompasses the entire Weekend, but you are free to come to select parts of the Weekend should you wish, but the cost is still the same.

 

How much does it cost?

$70 per person ($60 before January 15)

$50 for students ($40 before January 15)

$15 for children 3-2

Free to children under 3

On-site registration is available.

 

Does the registration fee include meals?

Yes, the registration fee includes Saturday lunch and dinner (vegetarian options are available).

Beverages and snacks are available (voluntary donation)

 

Where can I stay Saturday night?

If you are coming from out of town, and need lodging recommendations, we are happy to help. Click on the “Accommodations” tab at the top of the page.