Karen Bassett, a Halifax artist, writer, director, and improvisational comedian, has been appointed as the second Artist in Residence at First Baptist Church Halifax. During 2009 she will work with the staff and congregation in a variety of ways and settings, using her extensive experience and skill to enhance our congregational life and our liturgy. Not only will Karen be performing in our midst, but she will also be creating theatrical capacity in us.

The Artist in Residence program was originally proposed by our late Director of Music, Allen Wayte. Joel Tranquilla, a local musician, was the first person to hold the post. Joel created a number of musical events, participated in several Jazz Vespers, and led a highly successful production of Godspell in March 2008.

Funding for the first Artist in Residence came from the Garnet and Linda Colwell Memorial Endowment Fund. The financial success of the Godspell production provided support for the Artist in Residence program to continue.