April 27, 2026—How Artists Depict Divinity… and Fail

DOCUMENTARY & DISCUSSION


In a culture that insists on giving the ineffable a face, the history of art is littered with bold attempts to picture the unpicturable, with some degree of success and many more failures. This Art In Focus lecture traces a winding path through biblical texts, painted altarpieces, carved idols, and even the modern cathedral of the cinema, asking what happens when human imagination reaches for the divine and comes up short. Across centuries and cultures, artists have fashioned gods in their own image, revealing less about heaven than about earthly longing, limitation, and the persistent desire to see what cannot, perhaps should not, be seen. What does it mean to depict divinity?

May 11, 2026—China’s van Gogh

DOCUMENTARY & DISCUSSION

Join us for featured presentation of award nominated documentary, “China’s van Goghs.” An intimate portrait of peasant-turned oil painter transitioning from simply making copies of iconic Western paintings to creating their own authentic works of art, emblematic of the journey that China is going through, from ‘Made in China’ to ‘Created in China.”

Total rune time: 1hr 25min

Art in Focus is an exploration of the arts through film, lecture and thoughtful dialogue for adult learners of all ages who are interested in the arts and its impact on the world. Founded in 1996 by Rita M. Ray, South Shore Arts continues this series annually with a variety of topics and guest speakers. Several lectures will coincide with upcoming Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra concerts and South Shore Arts exhibits. An important aspect of the program is the thoughtful dialogue between the program facilitator, the guest speakers and the attendees to broaden views of the arts and individuals in our world. Our goal parallels that of the U.S. Department of Education, “Learning Never Ends.” Art in Focus is open to the public and, thanks to generous support from Community Healthcare System, it is always free.

2nd & 4th Monday EVERY Month

10–11:30am
The Center for Visual & Performing Arts

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