The Henry Luce III Center for the Arts and Religion

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The Henry Luce III Center for the Arts and Religion

The Henry Luce III Center for the Arts & Religion at Wesley Theological Seminary is a hub of innovati

Visit our website to learn more about our dynamic permanent collection, upcoming gallery exhibitions, programs of study, and schedule of public events.

03/30/2026

Join The Luce Center for the Arts & Religion on April 9th for two opening events celebrating our newest exhibition People of Ukraine: Life In-Between by Robert Gamble. No RSVP required!

THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE: LIFE IN BETWEEN is an exhibition of print, digital photography, and stories of life in Ukraine, by the husband and wife, Robert Gamble and Olha Balaban.

“The primary subject is a set of 20 black and white portraits of families displaced by the war in Ukraine. What interests me is the expressions on their faces. They want to show beauty, strength, and courage. When I look in their eyes, however, I feel they have something to say that they have not yet put into words. This is what I would like viewers to think about.” -Robert Gamble

Robert Gamble, D.Min. is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and Executive Director of This Child Here, Inc, a validated ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA), begun in Ukraine in 2006. His wife, Olha Balaban is the Program Manager for all work in Ukraine.

02/09/2026

We’re excited to introduce our other Student Artist-in-Residence, Ben Townsend!

Ben Townsend is a West Virginia–based musician, educator, and interdisciplinary artist whose work is rooted in Appalachian old-time traditions while engaging contemporary creative practice. A member of The Fox Hunt, Old Sledge, the Iron Leg Boys, and the Hackensaw Boys, and now a solo artist, Townsend has toured extensively across the United States and internationally, sharing his distinctive approach to Appalachian music in diverse cultural contexts.

Townsend is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity, exploring the intersection of faith, art, and community life. His work engages music, technology, and storytelling as tools for reflection, connection, and renewal.

To learn more about Ben, visit our website or stop by the studio!

01/22/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Bailey Blumenstock to the studio as one of our new Student Artists-in-Residence!

Bailey is a poet and teaching artist pursuing a MA in Theology. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from American University, and a BA in English from The George Washington University. Her poetry has been published in both local and national literary journals, including Poet Lore, Ni**od International Journal, The Maine Review, Little Patuxent Review, and The Northern Virginia Review, among others. Her first collection of poetry, Leaving the Religion of Self-Harm (Cathexis Northwest Press, 2025) considers the intersection of disability, faith, and diaspora.

Bailey will be producing both visual and written art during her residency. Her hope is to invite us all into a space of wonder, to remind us that awe is intrinsic to our relationship with the divine.

01/21/2026

Join us on February 5 for the opening of NOAH: A Future Hope at the Dadian Gallery!

We’ll celebrate with an evening reception and a short program beginning at 7:30 PM, featuring artists Yona Verwer and Brian Whelan, along with curator Paul Chandler. Light refreshments will be served.

Earlier that day, we invite you to a Lunchtime Conversation with the artists from 12:00–1:00 PM for a more informal opportunity to engage with the exhibition.

RSVPs for both events are available on our website. Link in bio.

01/15/2026

We’re excited to announce NOAH: A Future Hope coming to the Dadian Gallery February 5th.

Organized by , the exhibition brings together the work of three contemporary artists exploring themes of hope, resilience, and environmental stewardship through the story of Noah.

Watch this space for more information about our opening events on February 5th.

01/08/2026

Meet our new Artist-in-Residence:
Khaleelah I. L. Harris

Khaleelah is a multi-disciplinary vernacular artist exploring Hoodoo aesthetics through experimentation, ritual, and sustainability.
She will be with us in the A-I-R Studio January through May, creating work that weaves African American folklore, vernacular traditions, and Afrofuturist perspectives into striking mixed-media pieces exploring the spiritual netherworld of African American Women.

Learn more about her work or on our website!

11/21/2025

A closer look at Drawing Hope, opening at the Dadian Gallery on December 4. These portraits, and many more, are part of a global peace project inviting children to create self-portraits and messages for future friends across borders.

Join us in person or virtually on December 4 for the exhibition opening and roundtable discussion. The virtual registration link is in our bio and stories.

We hope to see you there!

11/18/2025

Coming to the Dadian Gallery this December, Drawing Hope is an exhibition featuring artwork by children from around the world, created as part of a trans-local peace-building project.

Join us on December 4 for the opening of this special exhibition. Enjoy light refreshments, learn about the history of the project and the creation of the works on view, and stay for a Q&A as we reflect on hope, connection, and the power of art to foster a more peaceful world.

09/10/2025

We’re excited to announce Image Making IV: Dust & Breath, on view in the Dadian Gallery from October 9 to November 28!

This special exhibition features work by our new Luce Center Director, Rev. Timothy Chon, offering a first look at the creative direction and artistic practice that will shape the Luce Center’s future.

Join us for the opening luncheon on October 9 to meet Timothy, explore the inspirations behind his artwork, and hear about the vision he brings to our community!

08/26/2025

The Luce Center for the Arts and Religion is delighted to welcome Rev. Timothy Chon as our new Director!

Rev. Chon brings over two decades of pastoral leadership shaped by a rich artistic vision and deep theological foundation. With an MDiv from Union Presbyterian Seminary and an MFA from Pratt Institute, he blends theology and the arts to create transformative worship experiences and foster community renewal.

A liturgical artist, educator, and visionary leader, he has served at Wesley and Princeton Seminaries, exploring the intersections of art, spirituality, and justice. His ministry embodies sacred creativity, healing, and radical welcome. We are excited for the future he’ll help shape at the Luce Center!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 9 for an opportunity to get to know Rev. Chon through his artwork in the exhibition Image Making IV: Dust and Breath. More details to come!

08/19/2025

Join us Thursday, September 4th for a conversation with Ama BE as she shares the inspirations, processes, and stories behind Pray for Rain. Hear about the quiet, often unseen narratives of migration that inform her work, and engage in an open discussion about art, place, and belonging.

Light refreshments will be served.

Address

Washington D.C., DC

Website

http://luceartsandreligion.org/

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