Springfield, MO – Registration is now open for the first annual James T. Sewell Festival of Fine Arts, to be held at Graceway Baptist Church on Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri. This exciting, all-day competition will begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude with an inspiring award ceremony at 6:00 p.m., where trophies and ribbons will be presented to the top five competitors in each event category.
The festival welcomes homeschool, private, and public school students aged 13 to 19 to showcase their talents in the categories of acting, public speaking, and interpretive dance (also known as human video). Participants will have the unique opportunity to develop their skills in a faith-based environment, competing for the prestigious Golden Weaver Awards, named after the intersection upon which Graceway Baptist Church stands—Golden Avenue and Weaver Road.
This event is more than just a competition; it is the realization of a dream envisioned by the late James T. Sewell, fondly known as “Doc.” Born in Lubbock, Texas, on January 8, 1942, Doc Sewell passed into eternity on October 2, 2018, after a lifetime dedicated to faith, education, and ministry. He held degrees from Baptist Bible College, Garland Bible College, Tennessee Temple University, and Bob Jones University, culminating in a Ph.D. Doc served as a beloved professor of Biblical Studies at Baptist Bible College for 39 years and pastored several churches, including Park Crest Baptist Church, Noble Hill Baptist Church, and Graceway Baptist Church, where he retired as Seniors’ Pastor in 2017.
Doc Sewell was a visionary, always dreaming of new ways to inspire and encourage others. In 2010, during a heartfelt conversation in the empty sanctuary of Graceway Baptist Church, he shared his idea for a faith-based fine arts competition that would nurture young talents across various artistic disciplines. Although it has taken nearly 15 years to bring his dream to life, his legacy continues through this festival, designed to be a safe, encouraging environment where young people can hone their God-given talents while competing alongside fellow believers.
For more information, please visit www.festivaloffinearts.org or call (417) 360-8890. Businesses interested in financially sponsoring the event are encouraged to contact our Sponsorship Director, Jerry Cain, at sponsorship@festivaloffinearts.org.
Join us in celebrating the life and legacy of James T. Sewell by supporting this inaugural event, where dreams take center stage, and talents shine for the glory of God.