The Power of Art, Community, and Faith | To Be and Do Podcast with Calvin & Nelia Kimbrough

The Power of Art, Community, and Faith | To Be and Do Podcast ft. Calvin & Nelia Kimbrough

Description:
In this inspiring episode of the To Be and Do podcast, Phil Amerson is joined by artists and community leaders Calvin Kimbrough and Nelia Kimbrough for a heartfelt conversation about the role of art, creativity, and faith in building resilient, inclusive communities. From childhood experiences with limited art opportunities, to developing community art spaces and mentoring through photography, Calvin and Nelia share stories and wisdom from their decades-long work at Patchwork and the Open Door Community.

They explore how making art—whether transforming church bulletins into baskets or capturing the dignity of neighbors in photographs—offers both resistance and hope, especially during troubled times. This episode also dives into the importance of being present, working with your hands, and fostering intergenerational ties through creativity and activism.

Keywords:
art in ministry, community building, Calvin Kimbrough, Nelia Kimbrough, Patchwork, Open Door Community, faith and creativity, photography, paper baskets, inclusivity, youth activism, resistance, belonging, To Be and Do podcast, Phil Amerson, art therapy, social justice, intergenerational community, diversity in church, WNBA Indiana Fever, women's sports

Key Takeaways:

Art as a Tool for Belonging and Healing:
Nelia Kimbrough and Calvin Kimbrough share how creating art in community spaces fosters a sense of belonging, freedom, and resilience—transforming even discarded materials into meaningful expressions of hope.

Photography Captures Humanity and Growth:
Calvin Kimbrough discusses the power of photography to document both everyday events and transformational moments, highlighting the relationships, dignity, and evolving stories of individuals within their neighborhoods.

Faith, Community, and Resistance are Intertwined:
The conversation underscores how people of faith can best serve their communities in challenging times—by nurturing inclusive, loving spaces, drawing on lessons from history, and supporting ongoing activism for justice and equality.

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