This article is from the EMU News Archive. The approximate date of publication was in October 2003. Current EMU news is available at www.emu.edu/news
Art Exhibit Depicts First Century Middle East Life
A new art exhibit at Eastern Mennonite University turns back the hands of time - some 2,000 years, to be more precise.Photographs taken, stretched and mounted on canvas by D. Michael Hostetler go on display Saturday, Oct. 11, during EMU's homecoming weekend. They depict scenes in "Nazareth Village" as the Middle East town would have appeared at the time of Christ.
Mike Hostetler with a panoramic view of Nazareth Village in Nazareth, Israel.
Mike led a team that researched, designed and constructed the village on a 12-acre site over the past decade in the middle of the modern town of Nazareth, Israel. It features four houses, a synagogue, an olive press building and sheepfold. A highly-trained, 15-member staff gives guided tours.
The 40 images in the display depict a cross-section of daily life, typical dress and work in the first century village. Grace Abdo, Nazareth Village staff designer, also took some of the photographs.
The exhibit pictures "seek to capture details that influenced the teaching ministry of Jesus," according to Hostetler. "I believe it's as close as one can get to the first century Middle East context," he said.
Mike Hostetler displays a photograph he took of a "nativity" scene.
"Joseph" is a staff member from Nazareth Village.
Photos by Jim Bishop
Mike's wife, Virginia S. (Ginny) Hostetler, has assisted with research in designing the village. She also trains tour guides and leads tours herself.
Mike is a 1975 EMU graduate, and Ginny graduated in 1977. They are joint recipients of the 2003 "alumnus of the year" award from EMU's Alumni Association.
A gallery talk and reception for the artist will be held 2:30-4 p.m. Saturday in the gallery.
The exhibit is open for viewing during regular library hours daily free of charge through Oct. 31.
NOTE: Hartzler Library hours are:
Mon.-Thur. 7:45 a.m.-11 p.m
Fri. 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sun. 2-11 p.m.
Posted: October 7, 2003
