Tag: art

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Dr. Ginger Morgan Announced as New Associate Professor and Program Director for Interreligious Chaplaincy

Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, April 16, 2026 — United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is thrilled to announce that Dr. Ginger Morgan will join its faculty as the new Associate Professor for Pastoral and Spiritual Care and Program Director for Interreligious Chaplaincy. Dr. Morgan will come to United from Madison, WI, where she is concluding her role at the Presbyterian Student Center Foundation as director of Candid and Community Initiatives. She is a highly qualified program director and chaplain with experience in healthcare, campus ministry, and higher education. With a PhD in Religion and Psychological Studies from Iliff School of Theology at the University of Denver, as well as a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) from Vanderbilt Divinity School, Dr. Morgan draws from her theological and multidisciplinary education in her work. Interreligious studies is one of United’s four pillars, and the Interreligious Chaplaincy (IRC) program—unique among peer institutions—constitutes the largest and fastest-growing of the seminary’s programs over the past five years. In alignment with United’s ethos, Dr. Morgan is a gifted scholar of religious pluralism, highly educated in progressive theological education, and foregrounds justice in chaplaincy and pastoral care. These values are evident in a chapter titled “Many Doors: Expanding Thresholds for Grace,” written by Dr. Morgan for the upcoming book Dispatches from Campus (Augsburg Fortress Press). Dr. Morgan’s career also reflects her personal experiences and identity. Writing to the search committee, she shared, “My formation includes reconciling my lesbian identity with my faith and living as a religious minority in India during high school, both of which shaped my intercultural perspective and vocational commitments.” She continued, “Throughout my career, I have sought to create inclusive spaces of belonging, whether supporting LGBTQIA+ students, young adults in recovery from addiction, or building programs attentive to justice and equity." Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall, President, reflects, “United welcomes Dr. Ginger Morgan with confidence and great enthusiasm. Her varied leadership roles, especially in chaplaincy, equip her uniquely to lead our robust IRC program and to teach pastoral and spiritual care.” In his announcement to the student body, Dr. Kyle Roberts—Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs—noted that Dr. Morgan’s “career in chaplaincy spans hospital, hospice, and higher education contexts, and extensive program leadership experience.” He added, “I want to thank Dr. Demian Wheeler for leading this search process, especially during its formative stages during my sabbatical.” After participating in a months-long faculty search and on-site candidate lecture, being recommended by a unanimous faculty vote, and gaining approval from the Board of Trustees’ Academic Committee, Dr. Morgan will officially begin on July 1. Students, faculty, and staff are eager to welcome her to United for this exciting new chapter. For more information about United’s Interreligious Chaplaincy program, click here. About United Founded by the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the creative edge of progressive theological thought and leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to educate leaders who, through the eyes of faith, engage in the dismantling of systems of oppression, exploring multi-faith spirituality, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Contact Nathanial Green (he/him) Director of Marketing and Communications press@unitedseminary.edu • (651) 255-6138 Admissions and Enrollment admissions@unitedseminary.edu

Reception with “Re: assembled” Artist Dale Dobias (’89)

Join fellow United community members and Dale Dobias ('89), an alum and the creator of the brilliant "Re: assembled — An Offering" exhibit on display on United's campus, for a reception on Friday, February 13, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM CT. We will enjoy the art and share light refreshments.

Art Exhibit — “Re: assembled — An Offering”

United is thrilled to be hosting an exhibit by Dale Dobias (’89), an alum and former staff member, titled "Re: assembled — An Offering." The exhibit, available for viewing in the center of United's campus, will be available from January 12 through February 27, 2026. On Friday, February 13, a reception was held with Dale on campus. 

Theology and the Arts Lunch with Dale Dobias (’89)

Join us for the first Theology and the Arts Lunch of 2026 featuring Dale Dobias (’89), an alum and former staff member. Dale, the artist and curator of the on-campus exhibit titled "Re: assembled — An Offering," will be joining us to talk about his art practice in mini collage and guide attendees in creating their own. Join us onsite in The Intersection or click here to join via Zoom. > Questions? Contact Sheryl Schwyhart.

Theology and the Arts Lunch: “Tradition and Juxtaposition in the Work of Mahmoud Saleh Mohammadi”

Mahmoud Saleh Mohammadi (b. 1979) is an Iranian artist from Tehran who studied as a painter at the Art University in Tehran and then continued his education at Brera Fine Arts Academy in Italy, graduating in Visual Arts. In his works, he combines the focus, uniformity, and tradition of the (Middle-)East with the Western ideals of creative expression. In many of his pieces, Saleh Mohammadi juxtaposes iconography from Persia to explore the histories of Iran, Italy, Japan, and other countries of his encounter. His vision continues to push the boundaries of his own art, urging spectators to look beneath the surface and uncover the essence of materials, colors, and cultural intersections. He is currently based both in Milan and Antwerp. Join Us Via Zoom > Questions? Contact Dr. Jennifer Awes Freeman.

“Momentos of Failure” | Theology and the Arts Lunch

In anticipation of the November event for the “Mementos of Failure” exhibit at United, curator and current DMin student Tyrone Fowlkes and Dr. Jennifer Awes Freeman will discuss the concept behind the exhibit, the process of curation, and invite attendees to reflect on the complexity and benefits of “failure.” We will gather at 12:15 PM CT with a program beginning at 12:30 PM CT! Click here to join via Zoom. >

“Radiance of the Body: Spirituality in the Art of Keith Haring” | Faculty Lecture with Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis

Artist Keith Haring used multiple symbols to convey spirituality in his art, most commonly a series of lines to depict radiance, which were applied to everything from the Christ child in his nativity to explicit images of sexuality. Angels appear darting about in all kinds of circumstances, as do crosses, priests, and other religious symbols. What does this broad application of holiness to a wide range of subjects tell us about Haring’s understanding of spirituality? Hosted in the art gallery of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, this talk by Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis will explore Haring’s religious background and his liberated and freeing view of sexuality and spirituality. We will look at examples in the current show, Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody at the Walker Art Center, as well as other examples of Haring's work. Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Social Transformation, Program Director for Social Transformation Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis is an associate professor of Christian ethics and social transformation supported by the McVay Endowment and the director of the Social Transformation program at United Theological Seminary. He earned his PhD from the Graduate Theological Union in Interdisciplinary Studies in addition to a Master of Divinity degree at Harvard Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary. As a pastor, he served congregations in Boston, Honolulu, and San Francisco and was Director of Leadership Development for Metropolitan Community Churches; he is now with the United Church of Christ. In his prior work, he served as Managing Director at the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS) and directed communications for the Hawai’i Equal Rights Marriage Project, the National Center for Transgender Equality, and Out & Equal Workplace Advocates. He has taught at the University of Arizona, Pima Community College, Iliff School of Theology, and Pacific School of Religion. He lives in Minnesota with his husband, Henry, and their two dogs. Learn more >

“Art and Organizing: La Lucha Sigue” with Ricardo Pérez Gonzalez

Artist and activist Ricardo Pérez Gonzalez is United’s inaugural artist-organizer-in-residence, and has served both our Leadership Center for Social Justice and the Theology and Arts program since last fall. He has also been facilitating our monthly arts and social transformation lunches. Now we want to celebrate Ricardo with an exhibit of and talk about his work.  Born and raised in Mexico, Ricardo is a self-taught mixed media artist with more than 15 year of creative experience. Now a Twin Cities resident, Ricardo recently created murals to reflect a spirit of collaboration with marginalized communities and lift up those whose voices need to be heard. He is partial to watercolor and ink media. La lucha sigue means “The struggle continues.” Join us on Friday, May 31 at 7:00 PM to celebrate Ricardo’s art and activitism. Enjoy light refreshments before the event. Come to the chapel for an artist talk, and stay for questions and answers afterward. Hope to see you there!