The C&A blog is an opportunity for those within our network to share their ideas, observations, and experiences with church, faith, and the arts. Our contributors come from many sectors – artists, theologians, ministry leaders, educators, and more. In addition to our regular contributors, C&A Director Luann Jennings will also be writing (see About for more info about Luann and C&A).
David Taylor was the Arts Minister at Hope Chapel in Austin, Texas, for 12 years. Born and raised in Guatemala City, he studied at the University of Texas, Georgetown University, the University of Würzburg and Regent College in Canada, where he received degrees in theology (M.A.) and biblical studies (Th.M.). He edited the book For the Beauty of the Church: Casting a Vision for the Arts (Baker Books, 2010). He has written for Books & Culture, CIVA Seen, Christianity Today, Q, The Living Church and The Christian Vision Project. His artistic interests include playwriting, modern dance and film. He and his wife Phaedra currently live in North Carolina, where he is pursuing doctoral studies at Duke University. David blogs regularly at Diary of an Arts Pastor.
Stephen Trafton is a singer/actor/musician who has appeared in the original Broadway revival cast of Les Miserables, the National Tour of Phantom of the Opera, as well as many regional theatres such as the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. He has a Bachelor of Music from Baldwin Wallace College in Cleveland, OH, in music theatre. His wife is an actress and singer, his brother is a conductor and pianist, his sister is a children’s novelist and visual artist, his mother is a literature lover and history professor, and his father is a New Testament scholar and plays the guitar. All of this has influenced his passion for the arts and the Bible. He lives with his wife, Juliette, and their dog, Puddleglum, in NYC where they are active at Redeemer Presbyterian Church and lead a Bible study for actors in the New York theatre community.
Evangeline Rose Whitlock is a professional stage manager in her final year in the MFA stage management program at UC San Diego. She has worked regionally at the La Jolla Playhouse, Old Globe Theatre, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. Prior to her move to the west coast, Evangeline was the Production Stage Manager for the Grand Rapids Ballet Company in Michigan and has done freelance work as a stage manager, director, and choreographer. She holds a BA in theatre from Calvin College and is thrilled to be a part of the Church and Art Network! (photo: Andrew Terzes, Grand Rapids, MI)
