Our Story...
The story of Harvest Arts is the story of a faith journey. The Bible is filled with stories like this: stories of God asking people to do something outside of their comfort zone, something that seems impossible. When they step out in faith, God shows up and displays his power as he perfectly follows through on his promises. Does stepping out in faith mean the end result is known? No. Walking in faith is walking into the unknown, but trusting the known character of God and his ability to work all things together for the good of those whom he loves.
Origins Timeline
September 2020
Flutist Madeline Cawley organized and performed her first concert, titled "Music & Art" in her hometown of Birmingham, AL. She rented a venue and sold tickets to fill half capacity of the venue, given those were the public rules at that time (notice the year...). It was intended to be a one-time gift to friends: little did she know, the Lord had other plans.
March 2021
What had now been named "Harvest Arts" embarked on their first mini tour (multiple concerts in a row of the same repertoire). Their concerts up to this point and for the following year were flute-and-harp only, classical music only. But they did close each concert with a simple improvisation on a hymn chart. Consistent audience feedback was that the final hymn was their favorite piece on the program.
September 2022
To celebrate 2 years of playing concerts, Madeline expanded the ensemble instrumentation to a harp quintet - flute/harp/violin/viola/cello. Due to the increase of musicians involved, Madeline made an arrangement of the closing hymn for this tour. This arrangement of "How Great Thou Art" would later become part of the original Hymn Tour album. "How Great Thou Art" was the first complete arrangement Madeline ever wrote.
May 2023
After 4 months of writing arrangements, Madeline along with the Harvest Arts Chamber Ensemble embarked on the first tour of the newly-created Hymn Tour. Ever since, the Lord has flown doors open from coast to coast and internationally. The unique offering of beautiful art fused with gospel truths has been a balm to souls of believers and has softened hearts of unbelievers to the person of Jesus.
The most amazing part about our story?
It is clearly being written by God. Every step of the way has been a step in faith without a plan for worldly results or success.
When she graduated music school into a world that was being rocked by the COVID response, Madeline knew she was called to do two things: (1) play classical flute and (2) share the unshakeable hope that is only found in Jesus Christ. How exactly to do these two things vocationally? She had no idea.
It took years of what she describes as stumbling forward, taking one step at a time with the endless patience of the Lord and encouragement from close family to build enough confidence (and reckless abandon) to try her hand at arranging music. In trying this new skill, she discovered a gift the Lord had given her that she had no idea was there. Even though she feels the Lord has gifted her skill in arranging and composition, she maintains that every arrangement she creates is directly inspired by the Holy Spirit, who is the endless source of everything good, true, and beautiful.
Here is a special note from Madeline:
"There are many unsung heroes who have been with me since before Harvest Arts existed, encouraging me every step of the way. Those unsung heroes are my parents and close friends and family friends: all have spoken truth and life into my heart when I have doubted. Spiritual warfare is real, and the enemy has worked tirelessly to stop my efforts. Without the Harvest Arts 'village,' my strength to move forward would have dried up years ago. All praise and honor and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ."
Today, the Harvest Arts Chamber Ensemble tours these original arrangements in church congregations across the country, and they plan to partner with missionaries and church planters overseas in the near future. In each concert, Madeline shares the stories behind the hymns, stories of the testimonies of God's goodness to his people in the face of their suffering, and calls the audience to turn to Christ.