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Wednesday 3 December 2008

Bus Stop Nativity

This comes from the Churches Advertising Network:

"This Christmas, a specially commissioned painting of the nativity, set in a freezing bus shelter, will be displayed at over 1,000 bus shelters across the UK throughout December. The bus shelter sites have been kindly donated by Clear Channel Ltd. We also hope churches will use them in their Christmas publicity, as they are available for free download from this site.
The painting is by Royal Academy Gold medal winner, Andrew Gadd. The oil painting is on canvas and depicts the holy family, with halos, in a dark bus shelter. The shepherds and wise men are replaced with fellow passengers waiting for a bus. Some are watching the nativity intently; others appear oblivious and are checking the bus timetable and flagging down a bus.
Francis Goodwin, the Chair of CAN, says: "We are very used to the Renaissance image of the Nativity. But what would it look like if it happened today? Where would it take place? We want to challenge people to make them reassess what the birth of Jesus means to them. By using a powerful and contemporary piece of art, from a world renowned painter, we can create an enduring image for our own times."

He adds: "It is important for the churches to re-establish in this generation the wonderful story of the Nativity."

Andrew Gadd, the artist, says: "At first I didn't like the idea of painting a nativity scene in an urban setting. However, once it was explained that it was to be designed for bus stops, it gave me an idea... this idea. The bus stop when simplified is like a stable. It is after all a shelter; a place people go to but never want to be. So where better to stage a nativity? How unlikely! The image reflects the environment it will be shown in, and therefore includes the viewer. Which is what it is all about."

Download a free, hi-res version of this poster for your church's Christmas publicity. Click here!"

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Willard Grant Conspiracy - The Suffering Song.

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