Advent Art Piece
by Makayla Tedder
If you came here because you wondered why there was a dog as an angel, then my art has done its job. And if you simply wanted to know more about this piece, I’m so happy to share the inspiration and meaning behind it.
This year’s Advent theme is “In Your Neighborhood,” and I set out to create an artwork that embodied that idea. I wanted the piece to be fully original, especially as AI-generated art becomes more common, because I believe in showcasing human creativity and the challenge of taking a concept and turning it into a visual message. When I saw this Christmas artwork by Adam Trest, I felt immediately inspired to create something in a similar spirit.
After talking with Pastor Erdos, we brainstormed how to bring the story of Jesus into the present day. He challenged me to make the angels represent the neighbors and community we live alongside and support. That was no small challenge: how do you visually express all the different kinds of neighbors that make up a community, and the many ways Trinity English lives out its faith in Fort Wayne?
The first thing I knew was that I wanted to show diversity. That’s why the angels include both black and white figures, representing the variety of skin tones in the communities we build. There are seven angels in total, each representing a different kind of neighbor.
The first angel is one I feel personally connected to, a tattooed angel. It represents people who might look different based on how they present themselves. As someone with multiple tattoos, this felt like a personal nod. Tattoos once carried more taboo, but today they’re common. I appreciate how they express individuality, plus I just thought it would be cool to see an angel with tattoos and the joy of making art is the freedom to make fun personally meaningful creative choices like that.
To the right of the tattooed angel is a dog, representing Trinity’s commitment to caring for the animals in our community. Trinity proudly supports Humane Fort Wayne and hosts the Blessing of the Pets each October. Having a dog be an angel was also a deliberate choice, because I find it made people notice that something was different about this piece, because why is there a dog as an angel? And I think that is what makes art exciting, it makes people want to know more.
Next is our unhoused neighbor. This angel reflects Trinity’s care for those who need assistance with food, housing, and other essential needs. Trinity offers community dinners every Thursday night, serving, on average, over 150 neighbors each week. We also partner with many local nonprofit organizations to help connect people with the resources they need.
The angel in the middle represents our church neighbors, the ones we see on Sundays and throughout the week at events, groups, and volunteer opportunities. These are often the people we build relationships with and there is something beautiful about coming together because people have similar hopes for how to be in community with one another.
The angel to the right of the center represents parents in need of support. Trinity works with programs like A Baby’s Closet and Healthier Moms and Babies to assist mothers, fathers, and caregivers with the many needs that come with raising children.
Next is the angel representing our earth. In recent years, Trinity has worked intentionally to support environmental stewardship. Through solar panels, recycling efforts, and events like Compost Fest which is co-hosted by Dirt Wain. Trinity believes caring for our community includes caring for the planet we share.
And last, but certainly not least, is the angel representing our LGBTQ+ neighbors, affirming their lives and their place in our community. At Trinity, we believe everyone is loved and accepted, regardless of identity or who they love.
Another detail in the artwork is the inclusion of the Fort Wayne skyline behind the animals in the stable, along with the downtown grid behind the angels. (Look for the small star to the right of the dog angel—that’s where Trinity is located!) I chose these elements to connect the birth of Christ to the present day, reminding us to live out God’s call here and now, right where we are.
I hope you enjoy this art piece. I loved creating it and discovering how to bring this year’s theme to life. I’m continually inspired by the way Trinity shows up for its community and the many kinds of neighbors it serves. I hope this Advent season invites you to notice, cherish, and be part of the community around you.
-Makayla Tedder, artist