Fine Art at AMBS

The ceramic mural at the entrance to the new AMBS Library was created by Paul Lyman Roten in memory of his father, Paul Roten, who was the AMBS Librarian for over twenty years until his death in 1986. AMBS commissioned the son to create a the sculpture to honor his late father. At the time, Paul Lyman was a student of Marvin Bartel at Goshen College. An illuminated alcove at the entrance to the library was designed to feature this sculpture which honors the ministry of theological librarianship.

Last week Rosanna McFadden made the final adjustments to the display of banners in the north wing of the library. The colorful patchwork banners in the middle (maroon and green) were made by AMBS student Olivia Bartel for Advent, 1998. The Alleluia banner of Easter lilies was made by Winifred Waltner, wife of AMBS president emeritus, Erland Waltner. Cheryl Good created "Stood Firm", the pastel banner in the foreground. These banners were selected from the AMBS collection of worship visuals that were created for use in the Chapel of the Sermon on the Mount.

The Gallery just inside the entrance to the new building now features several pieces from the collection of Liz Wenger, a Mennonite artist who lives and works in Goshen. Physical disabilities led Liz to choose the medium of needlepoint for her artistic expression. Since 1984, AMBS has been the primary repository for her work including more than 30 framed pieces of needlepoint and many drawings. The selection of needlepoint on display in the Gallery includes:
Triumphal Entry 1979
Woman Behold Your Son 1982
The Annunciation: Song of Songs 1988
The Son of God Goes Forth to War 1980
Mosaic Grace 1982

Two of Liz Wenger's most beloved pieces are hanging just to the right of the fireplace in the South Lounge, formerly the Student Lounge. Peaceable Kindom (1985) is the framed piece on the left. God So Loved the World (1987) is the framed piece on the right. The resin relief in the center is entitled Peace on Earth. The artist is unknown.


Martha Hershberger, generous donor to AMBS, crafted the exquisite quilt that now graces the fireplace of the South Lounge.


Watch for more art and historical displays at AMBS is my next blog!