Blasphemy Day Artist Showcase: Dana Ellyn
Please join us in celebrating International Blasphemy Day with an Artist Showcase featuring "blasphemous" paintings by artist Dana Ellyn.
What is Blasphemy Day?
International Blasphemy Day is not just a day. It is a movement to dismantle the wall which exists between religion and honest criticism. The objective of International Blasphemy Day is to open up all religious beliefs to the same level of free inquiry, discussion and criticism to which all other areas of academic interest are subjected.
This Blasphemy Day event is a part of the Center for Inquiry's Campaign for Free Expression. For more information, please visit http://www.pleaseblock.us/
Dana Ellyn's artist statement for the Blasphemy Day show:
At age 16, Dana heard her father say he believed in god and she was befuddled because the subject of belief was not discussed at any time before that. In her confusion, she would sometimes look up apologetically at the sky and say "if there is a god up there, you must understand why I don't believe in you, right? Nobody ever told me you existed!"
Dana's first real introduction to religion was through her art history classes in college. Gods and goddesses of mythology were presented as fiction and Christian themes were treated as history. But to Dana, they were all just stories.
Throughout her 20's and 30's, Dana continued her personal quest to learn more about religion and come to terms with her lack of belief. Now, she is finally fully comfortable with painting (and talking about) where she stands on religion. Dana's paintings are not meant to offend. Instead, she hopes they foster open-minded discussions. And perhaps induce a giggle or two along the way.
15% of the painting sales from this show will be donated to the Center for Inquiry DC.
