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Artwork adds beauty, outreach to BBC Pond

Special relief sculptures highlighting the six days of creation are now an attractive fixture on the west side of Baptist Bible College & Seminary's signature pond.

The "Creation Walk" features eight bronze relief sculptures. Each sculpture is attached to a glass panel mounted in a steel frame. A set of Bible verses on each panel is quoted from Genesis chapter one.

Watch a video on Creation Walk here .

The first sculpture prefaces the story while the next seven each represent a day of creation.

BBC&S President Jim Jeffery initiated the project after seeing a similar set on display at Lake Ann Camp in Michigan. The sculptures were placed in time for the October "Celebration on the Summit" event.

The artist, Dr. James DeVries of Ada, MI, donated the pieces to BBC. In addition to a set of creation sculptures, more of DeVries' artwork is on display at Cedarville University in Ohio. He has also donated work to Cornerstone University in Michigan.

Creating a path
The pieces are placed along a path that now encircles the pond. No clean path had existed around the Seminary side of the pond. The work was done by BBC&S' Maintenance Department and by visiting volunteers during Volunteers Week this past summer.

Trees and brush that fell during a windstorm on campus over the summer were chipped, recycled, and used to cover the path. Several benches have been placed along the path as well.

Impacting the community and campus
The sculptures offer a chance for BBC to reach out to the community through nature and through art.

BBC&S' signature pond and the surrounding area is a popular recreation spot for community members. Walkers and joggers frequently use many of the paths on campus for exercise.

"This will be a testimony to the community," President Jeffery said. "In addition, cross-country runners will run through here and be able to see the sculptures. It's also nice for our students be able to walk around and be reminded that our God is the God who created everything that we see."

Celebrating an artist
Dr. James DeVries lives in Grand Rapids, MI. He has been sculpting since 1998 and has donated many pieces to Cedarville University where he is an alumnus and a member of the Board of Trustees.

In addition to sculpting Dr. DeVries is highly recognized in the field bioengineering and in the medical industry. He holds over 50 patents and has been honored with many awards and recognitions.

Baptist Bible College & Seminary offers an outstanding Christian education through on campus, online, and other distance learning options. Students learn to serve and lead as they gain critical leadership and life skills.

To learn more, go to www.bbc.edu or call 570.586.2400.




Posted on: 11/24/2009 10:55:36 AM

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