Wesley Methodist Church is pleased to announce the launch of Wesley’s brand-new art ministry, Art on The Hill (AOTH). The name “Art on the Hill” is a loving nod to our church’s beloved other name, “Church on The Hill,” given our location perched on Fort Canning Hill.
Lunchtime Art Jam at Wesley
This new ministry marks a significant moment in Wesley’s history as AOTH is the first dedicated art ministry at Wesley. Pastor-in-Charge, Rev Raymond Fong, not only chose the ministry’s name but enthusiastically welcomed it as it had been on his heart as well.
The objective of Lunchtime Art Jam by AOTH is to provide opportunities for art enthusiasts to bring out their creativity to inspire and motivate one another through art. It was officially launched on 23 May 2025 with 28 participants from all walks of life gathered at Plaza Hall in church to make history. These fortnightly art jams are designed to be a relaxed and informal event where people come together to create art without specific guidelines or performance stress. It is a wonderful opportunity for office workers, students, homemakers and even tourists to take a break from what they are doing and release the artistic talent latent in them. Retirees who came said it is during their retirement that they are finally able to express themselves through the art they have loved since young.
God is the Master Craftsman
The God of creation is the source of creativity in mankind. Isaiah 64:8 tells us “Yet you, Lord, are our Father; we are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand”. Our heavenly Father is often described as a potter, shaping humanity as a work of art, underscoring His divine role as the master craftsman of all of us and the universe.
This inaugural lunchtime jam was led by Erica Wee who gave simple guidelines on painting landscape silhouettes using acrylic on canvas panels. Although she brought four of her artworks as samples, the end results from the art participants were diverse, ranging from florals to bucolic landscapes, an outstanding cross on a hill and even a lavender field in Provence. That is precisely the essence of the freedom of art jamming.
The core team for AOTH comprises four Wesleyans; namely Yeo Phay Eng an urban sketcher, professional artist Erica Wee, art educator and illustrator Sharon Sim and watercolourist, Saveen Dsouza. Apart from Erica, the trio met while participating in various sketching events.
The team’s coordinator Phay Eng said: “I once thought I could only draw straight lines until I discovered a deep love for watercolour and urban sketching during Covid. I believe anyone can become an artist if they persevere and practise consistently. There are so many genres of art to try. Just be open to possibilities and your talent may emerge and surprise you.”
Erica Wee is an artist whose beautiful acrylic works are represented by the Sound of Art gallery. She has ongoing exhibitions in Singapore and overseas and a permanent mural display inside Eunos MRT station. Saveen is a watercolour enthusiast who excels in watercolour portraiture, landscape and florals. She was the first-prize winner in the Colours of the Bible contest 2023. Sharon Sim is an artist and art educator whose works span impressionistic landscapes and faith-inspired paintings. To her, art is a meaningful way to connect with mankind and something greater. Providing administrative support is Sally Ang with logistical support from another Wesleyan artist, Lai Hwee Tin.
AOTH has lined up an exciting series of events till November. Watch out for their first Artist Workshop on 1 August 2025 by Ong Whee Teck and two Night Sketches held in conjunction with Wesley@NightFest on 22 and 23 August 2025.
“We invite everyone to do art with AOTH in a peaceful and serene environment. Bring out the inner artist in yourself over coffee, tea and light-hearted conversations. As you go into the art zone, remember God is the ultimate Artist of art, beauty and all things wonderful in this world,” added Phay Eng.
Discover your creative spark with Art on The Hill. Join us for art jamming sessions and fellowship on the first and third Fridays every month. For full details and updates, please follow our social media channels Instagram and Facebook and keep an eye on Wesley Weekly for registration. To get the latest updates, scan to join AOTH on Telegram.
Photos courtesy of Yeo Phay Eng
Read also: Light on the Hill: Wesley Methodist Church Shines Bright at Singapore Night Festival 2024
