DEAD SEA SCROLL EXHIBITION

On May 1, the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts opens its major 2009 exhibit, “Ink & Blood: Dead Sea Scrolls to Gutenberg,” presented by Advanced Imaging of Gadsden. The opening of Ink & Blood marks the first time ever for actual Dead Sea Scroll fragments to be put on display in northeast Alabama.  The exhibit contains over 100 authentic artifacts and some of the most exciting archaeological discoveries ever made, chronicling the preservation and subsequent translations of the most read book of all time – The Bible.

Ink & Blood contains at least one artifact that is 5,000 years old, an ancient Babylonian clay tablet, and Dead Sea Scroll fragments that are at least 2,000 years old.  The exhibit also contains a replica of the Gutenberg Printing Press, the invention that is credited with launching several social changes, including the Renaissance of arts and culture, the Reformation, and the birth of modern science.  And it contains many centuries old original Bibles. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience to come see the untold history of the Hebrew Bible, the Greek Bible, the Latin Bible, the translations into many other languages including English, the history of writing, the birth of modern printing, and the roles that these events played in the history of the world” said Bobby Welch, art center executive director.

“It truly is an amazing story, and it’s one that really hasn’t ever been told” said Dr. William Noah, founder and curator of Ink & Blood. This exhibit brings together ancient historical writings, scrolls and manuscripts, the invention of the printing press, the impact that inexpensive mass produced books and manuscripts have had on world culture, and the birth of the modern English Bible.  These things led to an explosion of interest in the arts, science and religion.  The common person could now read and participate in the great debates and discussions of their times. 

“Now is our chance, probably the only chance most of us will ever have, to see actual Dead Sea Scroll fragments, Babylonian tablets, many ancient Bibles and artifacts in a comprehensive and truly historic exhibit,” said Welch, who has been working on bringing this exhibit to Gadsden.  No matter what your faith, there is something compelling about this exhibit.  And for those that are only interested in history, what can be more fascinating than the history of writing and the invention of the printing press?  The impact it has had on society, and the resulting speed of technological and social advancement, has been truly astounding.

And here it is in Gadsden, Alabama, one of only a few venues to exhibit it.  We are very fortunate to have generous sponsorship to make this affordable for our community. 

Exhibit sponsors include: http://www.culturalarts.org/inkandblood/inkandbloodsponsorship.html

$25,000 level: Advanced Imaging of Gadsden

$10,000 level: Osborn Transportation, Exchange Bank of Alabama, Keystone Foods, Etowah County Commission and Gadsden Etowah Tourism Board.  The Center’s public partner is the City of Gadsden.

Media sponsors: Comcast, Lamar, WAVU AM 630, 105 WQSB and MIX 102.9

The exhibit runs from May 1 through October 31st.  Hardin Center for Cultural Arts hours are Monday – Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday from 1 to 5pm.

Opening Weekend Events Schedule

Thursday, April 30 – 5 pm – 8 pm Sponsor’s and Pastor’s Sneak Peek

(pre-registration required, contact 543-2787 x 26 or email )

FIRST Friday, May 1 – Hardin Center “Members Only” Sneak Peek 4-8 PM

        6 PM Gutenberg Press Demonstration

(please check in at front desk, new members welcome to join…12 month memberships are only $50 Individual or $80 for full family)

Saturday, May 2 – 10 am – 8 pm Opening Day of Ink and Blood exhibit

        Gutenberg Press demonstrations at 11 am, 2 pm, and 6 pm

        1 pm lecture: DEAD SEA SROLLS , Barry F. Sullivan
Ink and Blood Associate Curator, Barry F. Sullivan, will present “The Truth About the Dead Sea Scrolls” . . . an historical account of their discovery, their amazing contents and their impact on the world of biblical scholarship!

3 pm lecture: HISTORY OF THE BIBLE , Barry F. Sullivan
Take a journey through 5,000 years of Western Civilization as Barry F. Sullivan, Associate Curator of Ink & Blood, explores topics such as the origins of writing, the Dead Sea Scrolls, handwritten and illuminated Latin Bibles, the revolution of Gutenberg’s printing press, the first King James Bible, and the first Bibles printed on American soil.
   
Sunday, May 3 – 1 pm – 5 pm

        Gutenberg Press demonstrations at 2 pm, and 4 pm

        3 pm lecture: THE “LOST GOSPELS”, Barry F. Sullivan
In recent years, scholars have suggested that the gospels which are presently in the Bible - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - are not the earliest nor the most accurate.  Gospels such as the Gospel of Philip, the Gospel of Mary Magdelene and the Gospel of Thomas have an equal claim to be in the Bible. Are they right?  Ink and Blood Associate Curator, Barry F. Sullivan, reveals an intriguing history of the “lost gospels” as he presents “Were the ‘Lost Gospels’ Really Lost?“

The public is invited to attend these free lectures, which will be held in the Community Room on the Hardin Center’s 1st floor.  There is a no charge for the exhibit for Hardin Center members.  Non-members pay $6 adults, $4 children (ages 3 – 12).  Special group rates are available at $4.50 per adult and $4 per child with advanced reservations.  Audio tour headsets may be rented for $4 each. Exhibit operation hours are Monday – Saturday 10 am – 8 pm and Sunday 1pm – 5 pm. 

NOW BOOKING GROUP TOURS

“There are over 9,000 churches, shrines and temples within 100 miles of Hardin Center, and we mailed them all a postcard.  Plus the Alabama Baptist ran a story on the exhibit and focused on the group tour aspect.” said Pat Welch, group tour coordinator for the upcoming “Ink and Blood” exhibit.  “We have already booked a good number of groups and lots of groups, not just churches, have been inquiring about traveling to Gadsden.  A group of seniors from Dothan had heard about it and called yesterday.  In order to get the group rate discount, we are asking groups to make reservations.  This way we can schedule visitors to where we have a better flow.”  Our email address is and the group rate is $4.50 for adults and $4 for children ages 3-12.  Audio Tour Headsets are available for rent for $4 each.

The Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation operates the many projects out of the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts.  Membership is a bargain and is often tax deductible.  A 12 month Hardin Center membership costs only $50 for an individual and $80 for a family.  Membership allows unlimited visits to the Dead Sea Scroll exhibit during its entire run. Other benefits include:
- Free admission to the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts (visit Ink and Blood as often as you wish)
- Free admission to Imagination Place Children’s Museum
- Discounts on birthday parties (save 10%)
- 10% off Cultural Arts Coffee purchases proudly brewing Starbucks
- Free admission to more than 100 other participating museums and science centers
- Free admission to the Etowah Youth Orchestras’ Christmas Pops Concert
- Invitations to opening parties for art exhibits (with email reminders if you wish) 
- No fee for School for the Arts classes ($15 savings) -discounts on art workshops
- Invitations to special events, like the Annual Charity Auction
- Subscription to the Center’s quarterly newsletter
- A listing as a supporter in the Center newsletter
- Official plastic Center membership card  
Explore http://www.culturalarts.org , http://www.culturalarts.org/inkandblood and http://www.inkandblood.com for more information.
SPEAKER SERIES BIO: Barry F. Sullivan
Barry has a broad academic and professional history and comes to Ink and Blood with a background that uniquely prepares him for his position as Associate Curator.
Barry has a B.A. in Biblical Literature (New Testament), a Masters Degree in Systematic Theology (with a secondary emphasis in Historical Theology) and has completed post-graduate work toward his PhD in New Testament at Trinity in Chicago, Illinois.  Before entering the business world, Barry’s ultimate career goal was to complete his PhD in New Testament and to teach at the seminary or university level.  He has conducted classes in Greek, Systematic Theology and Historical Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and has taught a course in Sociology of Religion for the Empire State College system.
His academic interests include: Pauline and Johannine studies; 2nd Temple Judaism and the Qumran community as well as the development of Nicene Christology.
In his “spare” time, you can find Barry reading the latest books in the field of New Testament studies, brushing up on his Greek and Hebrew, keeping an eye out for an ancient Roman or Greek coin (to add to his collection), or spending much-valued and greatly enjoyed family time.
Barry is married to the love of his life, Nancy, and has two sons, Nathan (married to Morgan), who is a graduate of Liberty University with a degree in history and Brandon, who is entering his third year of college and is majoring in biblical studies and film.  His wife, Nancy, graduated with a degree in Bible and Theology from Cornerstone University and has special interests in both English Bible as well as Puritan Theology.  Barry and Nancy currently reside with their youngest son, Brandon, in Knoxville, TN.