First Congregational Church of Akron has unveiled a new public art installation, called “God’s Doors Are Open to All,” located at the church lawn at 292 E. Market St. The show consists of eight full-size doors mounted side-by-side and was created as a visual statement of the church’s support for diversity and inclusion. Each of the eight doors is a different style or size, and each is painted one of the colors in the Philadelphia rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black) in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
First Church commissioned eight local artists, each assigned to decoratively paint one door. First Church curated the selected artists to provide a wide diversity of ethnicity, race, and age, as well as inclusion of members from the LBGTQ+ community. And each artist was encouraged to decoratively paint their door in their distinctive and cultural style, adding an additional layer of diversity and inclusion.
“Love and hope are the central messages of our faith,” said Senior Minister Rev. Nanette Pitt. “This project allows First Church to radiate hope and love in a visual way while promoting local artists and, during Akron’s Pride month, boldly declaring God’s unconditional love and our affirmation of all people no matter the color of their skin or who they may love. It is our hope that this installation will warm the hearts and lift the spirits of all of our neighbors who drive by, and that maybe they’ll even stop to snap and share a picture! #GodsDoorsAkron.”
Participating Artists include:
Red Door – Nirali Schrader
Orange Door – Melissa Ferguson
Yellow Door – Ann Snyder
Green Door – Jaxx Cheline
Blue Door – Kat Stahl
Purple Door – Stephanie “LEO” Leonardi
Brown Door – Jamie Mutnansky
Black Door – Lindsey Jo Scott
For info, visit www.akronfcc.org or call (330) 253-5109.
