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WINSTON-SALEM — On a recent late Sunday afternoon, the Delta Fine Arts Center in Winston-Salem was lifted up with color and sound, with voice and prayer. Adult and student artwork adorned the gallery walls.

A table of finely crafted jewelry and beadwork was tucked in behind the chairs. Instrumental music, a choir, solo artists and duets held the attendees in a state of prayerful joy as the music echoed throughout the building. A wealth of creativity and all of it inspired by a longing for God.

Pictured: Laretta Rivera-Williams at the Delta Fine Arts Center in Winston-Salem. (Photos by Annette Tenny, Catholic News Herald)

For Mercy Sister Larretta Rivera-Williams, it was the culmination of a year's worth of designing, planning and implementing an event that she hoped would engage, inspire and challenge those who attended to reach out and "touch" the divine. In addition, the event was a chance for her to acquaint the people of the Triad with the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Inc. and invite them to support the community's efforts. The Sisters of Mercy is an international religious order for women dedicated to serving people who are economically disadvantaged.

The visual artists involved in the event varied greatly. Young student artists from local schools and parishes were invited by Sister Larretta to create their vision of what and who God is. Adult artists, including Dr. Joseph Nicastro, MD, Mercy Sister Martha Hoyle, Mercy Sister Soledad Aguilo and many others donated their art – the proceeds benefitted the work of the Sisters of Mercy.

Nora Nguyen, Mercy Sister Ann-Marie Wilson and Mercy Sister Soledad Aguilo pose in front of some of Sister Soledad's beautiful jewelry creations. Members of the Second Sunday Vocal Ensemble performed throughout the afternoon, and there were performances by Linda Pompey, Sister Larretta, Joann Munden and Sarah Moxley.

Sister Larretta serves as the coordinator of volunteers in the Piedmont Triad for Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Charlotte. She is also the community outreach coordinator for St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem. She has written and produced several plays, is an abstract visual artist and a religious consultant as well.

— Annette Tenny, correspondent

More online

Find out more about Mercy Sister Larretta Rivera-Williams' work at her website, www.uniquepersuasions.com.

To learn more about the Sisters of Mercy, go online to www.sistersofmercy.org.