Sixth Biennial Exhibition of Sacred Visual Art

The Good Shepherd Institute of Pastoral Theology and Sacred Music for the Church, an institute of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), presents Let There Be Light, its sixth biennial exhibition of sacred visual art, in the Wayne and Barbara Kroemer Library October 30, 2026, through January 31, 2027.

This year’s theme takes its cue from a major construction project at the heart of the CTSFW campus—namely, the replacement of the windows in Kramer Chapel. The translucent panels installed over thirty years ago had deteriorated significantly, especially in the past few years, allowing precious little light to enter in. The replacement of those panels has allowed natural light to stream in once again, restoring the original intent of the architect, Eero Saarinen.

In conjunction with this emphasis on restored light, the theme of the exhibition is drawn from the first recorded words in Holy Scripture, God’s creative declaration, “Let there be light” (Gen. 1:3). Light is a central theme that appears throughout the Bible and culminates in the pronouncement of our Lord: “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). This is the One of whom the evangelist St. John wrote: “In him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).

Closely related to the theme of light is, quite obviously, the concept of darkness: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Is. 9:2). This Christ, who is the light of the world, came to dispel the darkness of sin and death. United to Him through Holy Baptism, we have been rescued from the domain of darkness, as St. Paul writes: “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8).

Through the centuries, artists have brought the interplay of light and darkness into their creative work. The works in this exhibition marry this most basic of all visual expressions with God’s revealed Word.

Awards: Cash awards will be given for Best of Show, Honorable Mention, and People’s Choice.

Works for Sale: Price and artist contact information for each work in the show will be available to visitors.

Library Hours (when classes are in session): Sunday, 3:00–10:30 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 12:00–5:00 p.m.

Academic Breaks (November 14–29, 2026, and December 19, 2026–January 10, 2027): Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday.

Christmas Break: The library will be closed December 23, 2026, through January 3, 2027.

Location: The Wayne and Barbara Kroemer Library

Questions? Contact the Good Shepherd Institute at (260) 452-2154 or [email protected].

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