A Visual Encounter with the
Word of God
About Celebration Art
Celebration Art is a liturgical arts company owned by artist Vickie DeVilbiss, located in Annapolis, Maryland. The company does custom design work for churches and pastors who desire to have their paraments and vestments express visually what is central to their faith and mission. From small beginnings in 1988, the work of Celebration Art has gained distinction with one parament design accepted into the National Archives of Liturgical Art in California. Another significant work was a stole designed for Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa. Using intricate needlework and applique, the company creates original designs for paraments, vestments and other applications. It offers an exciting expression of God's story visually. The work of the company can now be seen in churches of various denominations internationally.
Working with Celebration Art
The development of each design is a collaborative experience that results in custom liturgical art uniquely suited to the environment where it will be displayed. You will come away from the experience with an enriched appreciation of liturgical art and its relevance to the contemporary church. Each piece will come with explanatory text describing the biblical context, symbolism and artist's intent.About the Artist
Vickie DeVilbiss received her art training from Augustana College, in Rock Island, Illinois. An art teacher for fifteen years before beginning her business, she is recognized as an insightful liturgical artist. In her design philosophy, each work becomes a visual encounter with the Word of God. As such, her work is dynamic, drawing the viewer repeatedly into the encounter to experience the meaning of the Word through their sense of sight. The artist uses color, texture, shape and image to express biblical and theological themes in creative ways. Her work is an enrichment to worship and a witness to the Word of God.The Rev. Ray E. Blanset of Annapolis, Maryland serves as a consultant to Celebration Art. Rev. Blanset joined the company as Business Manager and Consultant in 1991 after retiring from parish ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. During his thirty-eight years of ministry, he served congregations in Washington, D.C., Hagerstown, Maryland, Hanover, Pennsylvania and Annapolis, Maryland.
Rev. Blanset brings diverse creative gifts to the business and infuses each project with a strong biblical and theological expertise. Working with the artist, design concepts are carefully developed so that each work represents the Word of God with great integrity. He does the interpretive writing which accompanies each art form. Rev. Blanset is also an integral part of workshops that Celebration Art presents for individual churches and Synod assemblies.
The Tree of Life
Creation is surrounded by the unbroken, external circle of Love. God's Words are carved on the tree, depicting His creation.
People are made right with God's beloved creation by the death and resurrection of Jesus, symbolized by the butterfly formed in the center branches.
Out of the resurrection comes the gift of new life, hence the spring leaf. This creation story is Good News to all people.