The Visual Art and Music of Abe Partridge – February 11, 2023

Abe Partridge is a heralded musician, singer/songwriter, visual artist, and podcaster based in Mobile, Alabama.
Since the release of his debut, Cotton Fields and Blood For Days, in 2018, Partridge has toured relentlessly, including several tours of the Netherlands and the U.K. developing a reputation for moving, passionate, and sometimes comedic, performances at prestigious songwriter festivals and a regular at Nashville’s Bluebird Café. He has performed on the syndicated radio programs, Mountain Stage and Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour. When Partridge is not writing or touring, He is creating his folk art paintings, which now hang in art galleries around the southeast and in the private collections of Tyler Childers, Mike Wolfe (American Pickers),
and Rick Hirsch (Wet Willie). His artwork was featured in Stephen King’s 2019 sequel to The Shining – Dr. Sleep.
He painted the cover art for Charlie Parr’s, Last Of The Better Days Ahead (Smithsonian Folkways). He also
created art for Tyler Childers ’2022 release, Can I Take My Hounds To Heaven? Facebook: https://fb.me/e/2AyFTTckC

Artist Statement
I left Mobile when I was 18 in pursuit of a theological education. I attended 4 bible colleges in 4 years… partly
because I couldn’t follow rules, partly because I knew better. I became a pastor of a small Independent Baptist Church in the Appalachians of Eastern Kentucky at 25 years old. When I was 27 years old I became acquainted with a horrible depression. I left the ministry and turned to Art. I have written songs and made paintings like these for years. Only after joining the military and going to war did I decide to begin sharing my art with the world. I never took a songwriting class, nor have I ever had an art class. I always just thought I was weird…

“Rethink preconceived notions.
Question authority.
Create new methods of survival.
See beauty.”

  • Abe

Friday, August 5, 2022 – Art Opening

The Art Guild of the First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta

Invites you to the opening reception of:

The Visual Art of Nancy Emerson White

Friday, August 5, 2022, 6:00-8:00 PM

The First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta

470 Candler Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia

Free and open to the public!

Artist Statement

When I lived in Sheridan WY, I saw that the college was offering a community class on pottery. I had a small child and few friends as we had recently moved there so it seemed like a place to exercise my mind and hands and meet people. Later when we moved to Idaho Springs, I heard of a class in Ellie Mitchell’s garage where an artist from Central City was giving classes every week. That was when I took up pastel pencil sketching and then oil painting. Ever since then I have found clay classes wherever I lived. It feeds my need for creativity.

Special Music provided by Lonesome Redwing

Lonesome Redwing features bluegrass and old-time fiddle classics, as well as fresh original material.  Kathy, Russell, and Ellen are all natives of Georgia, and are multi-instrumentalist as well as songwriters. Lonesome Redwing has opened for many legendary performers, including Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, Claire Lynch, Patty Loveless, and the Steep Canyon Rangers. 

Saturday, November 20, 2021, 1-4 PM

Chilly Chili E-Fest at First E!

Downloadable Flyer:

https://firstexistentialist.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Chilly-Chili-Fest-Flyer-2021.pdf

What’s the occasion? We miss each other!

We can gather, socialize, and

lay eyes on each other in a safe way!

It will be a day of outdoor fun and fellowship at First E.

We’ll have FOOD:

veggie

& beef or turkey

chili, and cornbread

beer & soft drinks, live music,

a Peace Pyramid

And other FESTIVITIES!

  Hopefully this will be a way for us to rejuvenate our spirits & morale

since we haven’t been able to gather as a Congregation for so long.


There will be a table for donations, so please bring what you can.


We are very excited to announce the  LIVE entertainment line-up:

Elise Witt and Mick Kinney

with Cuban musicians 

Lisset Rod & Irina Vazquez!

Kathy McGuire!

Debra Hiers, poet!


So bundle up and join us for fun, entertainment and chili on a chilly November afternoon. Watch Robert’s e-Blasts for more information.

This E-vent is sponsored by the Art Guild and the ACTION Committee. 

FRI, 09/17/2021 – PASS THE PLATE PRESENTS:

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE

On Friday, September 17 at 7:30, join us on Zoom to play a rousing game of truth, deception and outright lies.  Share three statements about yourself, two true and one false.  Your job is to make us believe the lie.  The rest of us will attempt to discern the lie. 

The zoom link is: https://zoom.us/j/95955377139?pwd=aXVHb3J0bFR0NVRaRi92eCsrY3dSZz09

So, bring the most outrageous true things about yourself and the most believable lies.  Please bring enough for about three rounds.

Suggested donation is $10.00, but any amount will be appreciated.  Come and find out which of your friends are the best liars!

July 16, 2021 – SHOW & TELL!!!

BY POPULAR DEMAND

IS BACK! THE MEMBERSHIP GUILD INVITES YOU TO:

Remembrance of Things Past

Join us on Zoom July 16 at 7:30.  Bring something meaningful to you to share. It can be arts, crafts, pets, a beloved childhood toy, photographs, or anything else you want to tell a story about.  At the first event,  our Congregation shared stories of childhood friends that gave them something interesting, cookware that held memories of family feasts and other fascinating stories from their pasts. So, gather up your meaningful things and tell us why they are important to you.

The zoom link is here:

https://zoom.us/j/92830347666?pwd=MGU5NkpRc0I0YkJ5VWZmejRrM0FkQT09

   We’ll see you and your memories there!

May 14, 2021 – The Membership Guild Presents Another Story-Telling Event:

“9 TO 5” – STORIES FROM WORK

Inspired by the musical based on Stud Terkel’s book Working, the Membership Guild invites you to pour yourself a cup of ambition, gather up your best occupational stories and join us on Friday, May 14 at  7:30 on Zoom.

https://zoom.us/j/92068997547?pwd=WTRFbitKTitrV3A5dDlmQ252YTV0Zz09

Share your tales of never getting credit, being a rung on the boss man’s ladder, putting money in his wallet and the dreams he never took away.

Watch the e-blast for the zoom link and we look forward to hearing about your service and devotion, takin’ and no given’ and tides turning.

Look for information about attending the musical “Working” below, and in the e-blast.

Join us for “Working” – the musical!

The Membership Guild invites you to see the musical “Working” on Wednesday, June 2, at 8:00 pm (rain or shine).  The play is is at the Alliance Theater at the Callaway Plaza Tent.  It is outside, socially distanced and masks are required. We have a block of 12 tickets in pods of 2 or 4. The group rate is $25 per ticket. Reserve your tickets by e-mailing sueking@gmail.com. Tickets are limited, so get them while they’re hot!

June 8, 2025 — Lisa Kaufman

What is an End of Life Doula?

The speaker will describe the definition and roles of an End of Life Doula, and how they differ from hospice services. The discussion will include general services provided and personal and professional impact for the speaker as she has focused on this aspect of her career.

Facilitator: Cindy Lou Who
Musician: Kristen Hampton

June 1, 2025 — Tom Bell

Grandpa’s Imaginary Chapel in the Woods: A Talk at First Existentialist Congregation

On June 1 at the First Existentialist Congregation, I’ll be telling some stories about my grandpa, and offer my thoughts at the intersection of wonder, imagination, and critical thinking. Opportunities for fellowship to follow.

Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Craig Rafuse & Jean Heinrich

May 18, 2025 — Sara Drew

Thinking About the Unthinkable: Contemplating End of Life

This is difficult stuff. We’re asked to consider practical matters and emotional matters all in the setting of having no idea how it will happen or when we’ll have to be ready. Perhaps the best way to prepare is to think deeply about the kind of end of life we most want for ourselves. Sara will introduce Advanced Directives, thoughts about attending a recent Final Exit Network workshop, and the concept of a “good death.” There will be opportunity for discussion.

Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Mick Kinney

May 11, 2025 — Rev. Janna Nelson

The Mothers We Claim Made Us For These Times

As we live through these perilous times, we have access to the wisdom of the ages. In honor of Mother’s Day, I am going to focus on just a few of the many ‘mothers’ who have informed how I live in this world, how I engage with its challenges, and how their work inspires me to live more fully, more aligned with my integrity and commitment to core values that sustain and encourage me. Simone de Beauvoir, Audre Lorde, bell hooks, Loretta Ross, and Pema Chodron are the ones that will be the focus this time. This might spawn multiple sermons on the topic of “The Mothers We Claim Made Us For These Times.” 

Facilitator: Rev. Marsha Mitchiner
Musicians: Janna Nelson, Scott Hooker, Jeff Crompton and David Nelson-Hooker 

May 4, 2025 — Richard Cohen

Going Where No One Has Gone Before

What might the search for the divine look like if extended to other planets? Could understanding religious practices and reincarnation beliefs on alien worlds change the shape of many belief systems on Earth?

Facilitator:  Marti Keller
Musician: Snake Oil Medicine Show Band with Craig Rafuse

April 25, 2025 — Anton Flores-Maisonet

Love Crosses Borders

Anton Flores-Maisonet will explore how love transcends even the harshest immigration policies. Drawing on his work at Casa Alterna—where radical hospitality provides housing, solidarity, and community to hundreds of vulnerable immigrants from over 50 countries—he will share how love breaks through political and geographic walls to demand justice, accompany those caught in the deportation pipeline, and renew hope in the Beloved Community.

Facilitator:  Libby Ware
Musician: Bill Chelton

April 13, 2025 — Lisa Cottrell

Coping with Uncertainty

In these distressing, chaotic times, it can be hard to maintain balance and a reasonable hope. A discussion of the challenges, various ways to cope, and how to rise to the occasion.

Facilitator:  Cindy Lou Who
Musician: Charli Vogt

April 6, 2025 — Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs

Resistance and Resilience: A Call to Courage in Times of Crisis

In a world that often feels overwhelming, where injustice and fear seem to hold power, how do we find the courage to resist? How do we cultivate the resilience to keep moving forward? This Sunday, join Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs for a powerful exploration of Resistance and Resilience—how we can face the challenges of our time with boldness, faith, and collective strength. Through reflection, storytelling, and a call to action, we will honor the spiritual practice of resistance and the sacred necessity of resilience.

Come ready to reflect, recharge, and remember that we are never alone in the struggle for justice and love. Together, we build a sanctuary of hope.

Facilitator:  D. Patton White
Musician: Craig Rafuse