American folk artist Edward Hicks is among famous artists who have painted their version of Noah’s ark. Hicks painted “Noah’s Ark” in 1846. Image provided by Darla McCammon.

By Darla McCammon
and DeeAnna Muraski
Guest Columnists

WARSAW — The mission of this column is to help create an awareness of art. We strive to help the trained and untrained to discover art all around us. A perfect example of this is the recent trip my family took to the Ark Encounter and Answers in Genesis theme park between Cincinnati and Lexington, Ky.

The genius behind both The Creation Museum and The Ark Encounter is a man, Dr. Ken Ham, who originally taught school in Australia where inquisitive students threw such questions at him as, “How can you believe the Bible when you know it is not true?” This led Ham to delve into creation apologetics in his studies and caused a move to the U.S. in 1987. Once in America, he created the nonprofit called Answers in Genesis; it is an award-winning organization that defends the truths in the Bible.

Once you arrive at the Ark property you will ride a bus through semi-mountainous terrain that winds around past several zip-lines and drops you in front of a behemoth boat. The boat is a replica of the biblical ark mentioned in Genesis and is the tallest timber-frame structure in the world. Amish artisans, known for their quality work, were employed and they, with other craftsmen, set to work. They built a full-size Noah’s ark following the dimensions from the Bible. The ark is 510 feet in length, 85 feet wide and 51 feet tall.

Once inside, things become even more incredible as you walk through rooms where produce and food are stored or growing to feed a hungry on-board population. You get to see the living quarters of Noah’s family and walk the paths they would have trod. Within the ark, each exhibit is painstakingly detailed with exquisitely carved woodwork, each model sculpted to reflect different characters in the Bible and their clothing researched and woven by professional seamstresses. You will be moved by how their accurate depictions help put you in that time and place.

There are three levels of interactive exhibits that draw a lot of attention. Massive artwork depicting specific scenes in the Bible adorns many of the areas along with helpful explanations of how this worked, or why this part of the Bible is true. If you recall from prior Art in Action columns, religion has played a huge role in the establishment and promotion of art. Many early artists survived on money received from churches to provide large-scale art and sculptures in their churches. “The Last Supper” by Leonardo de Vinci is one of the most famous paintings of all time. “The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo is a close second. Being surrounded by the religious renderings in the art is reminiscent of visiting an art museum and evokes the same feelings and wonder.

Take the time, wherever you find yourself, to study the art to intensify your experience and make it more memorable. Think about how you would replicate the painting or sculpture you see — could you even replicate it? Look at how the light falls on the painting, how they used shadows and darkness; do they have symbolism in the painting? Most importantly, how does the work make you feel? Do you feel the power of the images portrayed? Art is around us every day, so make sure you do not miss it.

Famous artists, like Salvador Dali, have tried to create paintings of their version of the ark. American folk artist Edward Hicks seems to be the closest to the biblical dimensions in his work. The Ark Encounter receives over 7,000 guests to the property daily, a true testament to this living art exhibit.

Exhibits

Warsaw City Art Gallery: Sam Hoffman is featured. His talent for incorporating historical elements into his paintings is unique and refreshing. This exhibit is free to attend. The address is City Hall at 102 S. Buffalo St., downtown Warsaw, and the gallery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for holidays.

Van Gogh Immersive Experience: Experience his paintings in large scale and organized according to study (self-portraits, trees, etc.). Open until Thursday, Aug. 10. Located at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Expo III, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Get tickets at vangoghfortwayne.com.

Lakeland Art Gallery: Brenda Stichter and Tom Zuber are exhibiting their art work beginning Wednesday, July 26. Their show is titled “Marks, Lines, and the Movements Within.” The exhibit is free to attend. The gallery is located at 302 Winona Ave., Warsaw, and is open from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, except for holidays.

Awards

Congratulations to Brenda Stichter for receiving the Best of Show for the Lakeland Art Gallery Juried Show.

Darla McCammon is an artist, columnist and author who leads the weekly Art in Action column, and DeeAnna Muraski is executive director of Operation Read USA Inc. For information, call (574) 527-4044 or send an email to [email protected].