Open Doors
Creative Arts Series
The Open Doors Creative Arts Series at First Presbyterian Church advances worship and community engagement through offerings that enrich, engage, and include people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities. The series includes musical performances, dance, art exhibits, and talks.
September - December 2024
Eden to Eternity: Molas from the San Blas Islands
Sundays 8:00 am - noon | Weekdays 9 am - 5 pm
Social Hall
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This exhibition features textiles hand-stitched by the Cuna Indians along the Caribbean coast of Panama. Molas are reverse appliqué panels made for the front and back of blouses worn by Cuna women. Each mola in this exhibition illustrates a story from the Bible—from the Garden of Eden to the Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. Molas probably originated with the custom of body painting, traditionally done by Cuna women as early as the 17th century. By the 19th century this painting was replaced by textiles, perhaps because Christian missionaries insisted that the Cuna wear clothing.
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The molas in this exhibition are on loan from the collection of Sandra and Bob Bowden.
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Dalí String Quartet
4:00 PM | Sanctuary
The Dalí Quartet is acclaimed for bringing Latin American quartet repertoire to an equal standing alongside the Classical and Romantic canon. Tours of its Classical Roots, Latin Soul programming have reached enthusiastic audiences across the U.S., Canada and South America. Its fresh approach has been sought out by distinguished series in New York, Toronto, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Seattle, San Juan and countless communities beyond.
January - March 2025
Visions of Change:
Artistry in Action
Sundays 8:00 am - noon | Weekdays 9 am - 5 pm
Social Hall
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"Visions of Change: Artistry in Action" is an inspiring art exhibit featuring works created by members of First Presbyterian Church and our broader community. This collection of art explores themes of social change and justice, reflecting the diverse perspectives and creative responses of those committed to making a difference. The exhibit invites viewers to engage with powerful visual narratives that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought about the world around us.
Sunday, February 9, 2025
RFD Boys
4:00 pm | Sanctuary
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Since 1969, the RFD Boys have been captivating audiences in Ann Arbor with their exceptional musicianship and cleverly timed humor between songs. Featuring on the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited and having their songs recorded by notable groups like the Country Gentlemen, they have shared the stage with bluegrass legends such as Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley. A cherished part of America’s bluegrass heritage, the RFD Boys also hold a special place in the local music scene of southeastern Michigan.
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Klezmer Fusion Band
4:00 pm | Sanctuary
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The Klezmer Fusion Band performs music derived from three traditional sources: Yiddish/klezmer, Israeli/Hebrew, and religious. Traditional ethnic and folk instruments, such as a clarinet, mandolin, or acoustic guitar, give the music an old world feel. These traditional and ethnic instruments are backed by a professional jazz rhythm section, including keyboards, bass and drums. Jazz, latin, caribbean and rock and roll rhythms enliven the traditional tunes with a contemporary, “danceable” feel. This is what we call “klezmer fusion”, the bridging between the Old World and New World sounds. Original compositions are inspired by sections of the Tanakh and Siddur. New lyrics with Jewish theme and content are added to popular rock and roll tunes.
April - June 2025
The Shabbat Project
Sundays 8:00 am - noon | Weekdays 9 am - 5 pm
Social Hall
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Fiber artist Laurie Wohl is internationally known for her unique unweavings, liturgical projects, and interfaith message. Her works, recognized by the AIA Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture, and by the Surface Design Association, are held in the collections of the Museum of Arts and Design, American Bible Society, Constitutional Court of South Africa, Catholic Theological Union, and numerous other public and private collections. Her works have been on long-term loan to the United States Embassies in Beirut, Vienna, Tunis, Cape Town, and Pretoria. Wohl’s new body of work, The Shabbat Project, is traveling to venues in California, New York City, and Vancouver.
