Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield
Sacred Rhythm, Sacred Pattern
May 2 - May 9, 2026
|
Saturday, May 2nd 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Sacred & Liturgical Art Exhibition and Reception A Nationwide Juried Art Exhibition Springfield Art Association 700 N. Fourth Street (217) 523-2631 In cooperation with the Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield (LAFS), the Springfield Art Association (SAA) will host a juried exhibition, Sacred and Liturgical Art, Sacred Rhythm, Sacred Pattern as part of the biennial, interfaith Festival. Liturgical arts are all the ways people connect with the Divine through creativity and beauty in the visual arts. All spiritual interpretations, approaches and media are welcome. We aim for an exhibition of work that will support diversity, promote understanding, and foster tolerance. LAFS programs are accessible to those of any faith or none. Admission is free. Exhibit runs May 2 - May 30, 2026 |
|
|
|
Sunday, May 3rd 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Tour of Art Collection and Judaica Temple B’rith Sholom 1004 S 4th Street (217)525-1360 An introduction and docent led tours of the Judaica art collection. Jewish ceremonial art forms a large part of Judaica, because enhancing a mitzvah by performing it with an especially beautiful object is considered a hiddur mitzvah – a praiseworthy way of honoring God's commandments. In 1858, approximately 20 early Jewish settlers formed the Springfield Hebrew Congregation. In 1917 the present neo-classical style building, was designed by Robert Bouillard. Rabbi Meyer Abramowitz was chiefly responsible for the Temple’s art and Judaica collection. Other types of Liturgical art in the collection are manuscripts, books, artworks, and clothing. Admission is free. |
|
Sunday, May 3rd 7:00 pm
Las Posadas; No Room at the Inn A Latín American Novena Parade Presented by Monica Zanetti First Presbyterian Church 321 S Seventh Street (217) 528-4311 Las Posadas is a meaningful Christmas tradition in Spain and many Latin American countries. The term literally translates to "the inns," but it figuratively refers to the shelter that Mary and Joseph sought on their way to Bethlehem. During the nine evenings preceding Christmas Eve, groups of family and friends will gather to reenact Mary and Joseph's journey and each night a house will be designated as the "inn" that will allow them inside. As they walk the streets, the groups sing villancicos. Presented by Monica Zanetti of Wildrose. Admission is free. |
|
|
|
Monday, May 4th 7:00 pm
Unity in Multiplicity: The Sacred Patterns of Islamic Geometry An Introduction and Workshop Led by Zille Huma 745 Woodside Road Springfield, IL 62711 (217) 585-9550 Join LAFS for a brief Introduction and Workshop of Islamic Geometric Patterns. Geometric patterns make up one of the three non-figural types of decoration in Islamic art, which includes calligraphy and arabesque floral pattern. In the Islamic world, they symbolize the infinite; convey spirituality without the figurative iconography. Geometry creates unity, order and harmony, which is consistent with Islamic belief that all creation is harmoniously interrelated. By 1453 Muslim architects were designing quasi-crystalline symmetrical tile patterns that were not described in western science, (Penrose tiling) until 1970. Admission is free. |
|
Tuesday, May 5th 7:00 pm
Vipassana Meditation Retreat, Vipassana Monks Chanmyay Satipatthana Vihara 525 North Bruns Lane (217) 726-9601 The Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield (LAFS) will be conducting a Vipassana meditation retreat at the Chanmyay Satipatthana Vihara. The meaning of "Chanmyay" is peacefulness. "Satipatthana" means mindfulness constantly focused on the body, and mind. "Vihara" means (Buddhist) monastery. Theravada Buddhist practice follows the Mahasi Tradition from Myanmar. There is no requirement to be a Buddhist, all are welcome to join and benefit from this mindfulness practice. All that is required are good intentions and adequate motivation, and a commitment to follow the instructions of Sayadaw, the teacher monk. Admission is free. |
|
|
Wednesday, May 6th 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Tour of Sacred & Liturgical Art Exhibition and Children’s Art Workshop Co-hosted by Children of Abraham Springfield Art Association 700 N Fourth Street (217) 523-2631 The interfaith Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield is pleased to collaborate with the Children of Abraham. Children of Abraham gatherings are hosted by four faith communities, at their place of worship to learn about one another, cultivate respect, and build friendships at a young age. At the Springfield Art Association, children in kindergarten through High School are invited to see the Sacred and Liturgical Art Exhibition: Sacred Rhythm, Sacred Pattern, share their thoughts, and then participate in an art project. The program is open to children of all faiths or none. Admission is free. |
|
Wednesday, May 6th 7:00 pm
Dances Of Universal Peace Led by Naomi NurAna Wilansky Westminster Presbyterian Church Parish Hall 533 S Walnut St (217) 522-4415 The Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield presents interfaith circle dances with Dances of Universal Peace. The Dances of Universal Peace are participatory spiritual meditation in motion. Drawing upon the sacred phrases, scripture, and poetry of the many spiritual traditions of the earth, the dances blend chant, live music and evocative movements into a living experience of unity, peace and integration. These peace-focused interfaith dances are simple and build connection as we join in the activity of body prayer. From the beginning of time, sacred movement, song, and story have brought people together - at times of seasonal ceremony and celebration, as part of everyday life and life passages, in daily renewal and meditation. The Dances of Universal Peace are part of this timeless tradition of Sacred Dance. Admission is free. |
|
Thursday May 7th 7:00 pm
Sacred Rhythm, Sacred Pattern: Moving in Divine Order
“To everything there is a season… a time to dance.”— Ecclesiastes 3:1,4
Union Baptist Church
1405 E Monroe Street
The Interfaith Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield present, Sacred Rhythm, Sacred Pattern, a celebration of faith expressed through movement and the arts. This special evening will feature liturgical dance, music, poetry, and artistic expressions from diverse faith traditions, highlighting how rhythm, pattern, and embodied movement reflect spiritual connection and shared humanity. The program will also include a Unity Dance symbolizing collaboration and community across traditions. Join us for this inspiring gathering celebrating the beauty of faith, creativity, and unity. Artist Director Erica Austin. A LAFS debut praise dance program. Admission is free.
Sacred Rhythm, Sacred Pattern: Moving in Divine Order
“To everything there is a season… a time to dance.”— Ecclesiastes 3:1,4
Union Baptist Church
1405 E Monroe Street
The Interfaith Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield present, Sacred Rhythm, Sacred Pattern, a celebration of faith expressed through movement and the arts. This special evening will feature liturgical dance, music, poetry, and artistic expressions from diverse faith traditions, highlighting how rhythm, pattern, and embodied movement reflect spiritual connection and shared humanity. The program will also include a Unity Dance symbolizing collaboration and community across traditions. Join us for this inspiring gathering celebrating the beauty of faith, creativity, and unity. Artist Director Erica Austin. A LAFS debut praise dance program. Admission is free.
|
Friday May 8th 7:00 pm
Blest Be The Lord: A Celebration of Contemporary Catholic Music for Worship Steve Rotello St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church 700 E Spruce St, Chatham. (217) 483-4514 The Second Vatican Council ushered in many changes within the Catholic Church, not least among them being changes in the use of music in the context of the Liturgy. With the introduction of congregational singing came the opportunity for new forms of instrumentation, particularly the use of piano and guitar. No longer would the organ be the sole form of accompaniment for the celebration of the Mass. Today, if one attends Mass at a Catholic church, one is likely to find piano, guitar and other stringed instruments like violin and cello being used to support congregational singing and worship. One might even find various percussion instruments being used, as well. The Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield and St. Joseph the Worker Parish (Chatham, Illinois) are excited to present this wonderful program of contemporary music from the Roman Catholic liturgical tradition, featuring local musicians from Springfield and the surrounding area. Please join us as we celebrate over 50 years of joyful and inspired contemporary Catholic music. Admission is Free |
|
Saturday May 9th 7:00 pm.
Rediscovering the Patterns of Coltrane: A Love Supreme Mark McKnight Ensemble Abundant Faith Christian Center 2525 Taylor Ave, Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 585-4000 The Mark McKnight Ensemble is a dynamic jazz quartet rooted in the deep spiritual and cultural traditions of African American music. With Prof. Ronald Bridgewater on saxophone, Mr. Jim Pryor on piano, Mr. Troy Robertson on bass, and Dr. Mark McKnight on drums, the quartet promises to deliver a transcendent musical experience. Honoring the rich history and traditions of jazz music, The Mark McKnight Ensemble will bring John Coltrane's A Love Supreme to life in a performance that will nourish the spirit and uplift the soul. The Grand Culmination of LAFS 2026. Admission is free. |
|
