Colleen Van Houwe, one of our interns, is a senior at Biola University. After returning from Spain, she arrived in her new apartment and reunited with her roommate, Lindsay.
They sat down at their kitchen table and dreamed out loud of what God had for this year. Colleen shared her vision of transforming her living room into a gallery space where friends and university students could show their work. Lindsay shared her desire for a coffee shop atmosphere, inviting community and beautiful dialogue. Soon enough, their two other roommates were on board and they began the metamorphosis. After several crumpled up papers tossed in the garbage can, they finally created a system to hang paintings, photos, and drawings on their “untouchable” apartment walls. Artwork now replaced the blank walls, and the smell of coffee makers, an espresso machine, and a hot pot filled the space with a comforting and inspirational fragrance. It mixed in with the aroma of their prayers over the life that would be lived inside those walls. Thus, “La Sala” was born.
On March 6th the girls invited friends from various communities that they’d invested in this year to enjoy the space and become a part of their family. The goal was to create a time of celebrating life, friendship, and creative expression. Anyone could showcase their creative genius, whether it be artwork, music, poetry, spoken word, or improv.
The night was full of talent, from poetry to live music to improv to spoken word. We were introduced to many hidden talents in the Los Angeles/San Diego community. Half way through the night a friend led us in prayer over the city of Los Angeles. It was incredible to see these people from different communities, back grounds, and upbringings, coming together to unite over God’s purpose and design for this place. A breath of fresh air filled the room of La Sala. God’s Spirit was resting among us, and it is on the move… God is moving and shaking, and we are so excited to be a part of it!
All that to say, God made this night more than the girls had dreamed of that first day sitting at their kitchen table dreaming out loud. He showed us what happens when you put real community and real talent together in an open space and just let people be who they are meant to be. Someone commented, “This should happen regularly. Don’t stop. LA needs this!” Another person even said he felt like something was gained that had been lost. Art is a means of healing, connection, and life. God is transforming lives and He’s using art to do it! Thank you to all who came out and shared this incredible night with us.
Oh, and if you’re wondering, we ARE having another one! So, start brainstorming now and mark it on your calendars for May 1st. We would love for you to join us in the girls’ living room and become a part of the family.
