Artists Gather for Interdisciplinary Art Seminar in New Jersey at Creative Synergy Studio

Keynote speaker David Eaton emphasized the importance of artists’ using their talent with a sense of “moral responsibility” in his presentation “The Sacred Application of Art.”

Creative Synergy Studio (CSS), an initiative to promote the use of art and culture for the betterment of the human condition, held its first seminar on March 2, 2013 at the Fellowship Hall of the Family Federation Center in Clifton, New Jersey. The project is the brainchild of Oliver Noll and Carol Pobanz and is an attempt to assist artists of all disciplines to network and use their talent in altruistic ways. Approximately 15 people representing the realms of music, dance, painting, photography and creative writing attended and shared their talent via live performances, Internet and video.

David Eaton, music director of the New York City Symphony and 36-year performing arts veteran, was the keynote speaker and moderator of the event. Eaton’s presentation, “The Sacred Application of Art,” emphasized the importance of artists’ using their talent with a sense of “moral responsibility” and cited numerous historical examples of how the paradigm of “truth, beauty and goodness” has influenced societies in their attempts to create conditions conducive for attaining a culture of peace. He began his presentation by citing Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s assertion that the power of art and culture to change hearts and minds is central in pursuit of peace and prosperity.

“The event went well because we had a plan and kept to the schedule,” said Eaton. “A nice lunch was served too, during which people could share in fellowship. I thought one of the best aspects was hearing how the artists in attendance feel about what they are doing.”

Singer-songwriter Greg Davis plays a tune on the guitar.

Other artists who shared their talents were singer-songwriters Greg Davis and Rich Widmann, painter Benny Andersson, dancer and choreographer Hana Mansur, pianist Anne I. and photographer/videographer, Oliver Noll.

“I was very happy to see the variety of artists who came out,” said Carol Pobanz, co-organizer of the event with Oliver Noll. “So many of the arts were represented; music, painting, dance and photography. Despite the fact that our original program got snowed out and rescheduled, I think the event went well. Oliver did a great job organizing, and those who attended seemed engaged in the program.”

She continued: “I look forward to the future events and meeting many new people sharing their unique talents. I thoroughly believe that the heart of God is meant to be expressed through the arts. It’s time to stop talking about and start showing the talent we have in our community.”

Eaton also shared a video of the music he composed for the Middle East Peace Initiative, music that, as he explained, was created with the express intent of promoting the ideal of “living for the sake of others.”

He said: “I’m a big arts advocate and any opportunity I have to share and inspire others to use their talent for altruistic purposes I’ll take. I’m currently writing a book on the current ‘culture war’ that is gripping the country, and last year I contributed an essay to the Journal of Unification Studies on the need to rekindle a godly perspective on art, music and culture. I believe Creative Synergy Studio can become a forum for artists who want to contribute to the society via their creative endeavors.”

“I heard and saw David Eaton’s presentation at Barrytown College and again at this event,” said Pobanz. “His sacred love for the arts and his heart for God and humanity make him a fascinating and impassioned speaker. His presentation is one that I feel confident and proud to bring artist friends to, those already in the Unification Movement, as well as, guests who are visiting for the first time.”

CSS will be a monthly gathering of artists to discuss, share and network with each other in the hopes of collaborating and developing partnerships that will result in a “synergy” that will produce new artistic expressions that can be offered at various public events. The goals of CSS are in accord with Artist Association for World Peace, an organization inspired by Rev. Sun Myung Moon in 1995 to promote peace through culture.

“I will be a regular participant at future Creative Synergy Studio events, no question. I think this is an idea whose time has come and whose purpose is critical! I hope that more artists come to share their music, dance, poetry, film, photos, etc.,” said Eaton.

“My great hope is to discover talented people and encourage them to express their love for God and hope for humanity through their work,” said Pobanz. “I think it’s time for a cultural revolution, don’t you?”

The next CSS meeting is scheduled for April 6, 2013 at the Clifton Center. All artists and their friends are invited to attend. A registration fee of $8 is required.

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