Joe Castillo performs SandStory art at UC

For Immediate Release                                                        

October 9, 2013

For More Information

Email: info@joecastillo.com

Phone: 800-670-5055

Joe Castillo performs SandStory art at UC



Photo from the University of the Cumberlands

Joe Castillo draws stories in the sand.  


Williamsburg, Ky. - Joe Castillo demonstrated his sand art storytelling at the University of the Cumberlands during the weekend of their 125th anniversary and homecoming on Oct. 4, 2013.

             Castillo created the art of SandStory ten years ago, which combines art with technology to tell God’s love story in a memorable way to audiences. He projects colored light onto the sand on the table and uses his hands to form pictures which are displayed on a screen for the audience to watch. The video records his art that only exists for a moment as it’s ever changing.

              “I developed sand story to tell the kind of stories that change people’s lives,” Joe Castillo said.

               Castillo is most well-known for his time on the reality TV show “America’s Got Talent.” He told the audience about his experience on the show that allowed him to share God’s love story with millions of viewers. The meaningful conversations that he had with the other acts, staff, and other back stage people were his favorite part of the reality show. 

  Photo from the University of the Cumberlands

This poster promotes Joe Castillo in the finals of "America's Got Talent."It features the host, Nick Cannon and the judges, Sheron Osbourne, Howard Stern, and Howie Mandel.

The amazing opportunity on “America’s Got Talent” gave Castillo a broader stage to share God’s love story in countries where he would not have been able to go as a missionary or pastor. He has performed for President Jimmy Carter, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, other dignitaries, and in 40 states and 18 countries.

                 “The great value of SandStory is that it requires no translation,” said Castillo about the impact it has when he travels to other countries. “In the grand scheme of things, I’m just a grain of sand,” Castillo said. “I’m not representing myself. I have to be willing to represent Him [God] well.”

“SandStory®” is a live-art presentation performed to music and projected on large screens for a stunning visual effect. Video clips of Castillo's work can be viewed on his website at http://www.joecastillo.com.

Joe Castillo is available to perform his artwork and seminars live at your conference or church. For booking information please contact: Tim Grable • 615-263-4143 • tim@nashvilleagency.com.

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Annual Heritage Day hosted by Whitley County Historical-Genealogical Society

The Whitley County Historical-Genealogical Society and Museum in Williamsburg, Ky. was open for the public to explore on September 21 for its eighth annual Heritage Day.  

                                                           Lydia Huggins

On September 21, Heritage Day was held at the Whitley County Historical-Genealogical Society and Museum, which is housed in the old railroad depot in Williamsburg, Ky.

"We want to instill in people the value of history of the county," said Pat Jones, the president of the Whitley County Historical and Genealogical Society.

About 130 people attended the event. Jones talked about the first Heritage Day which boasted about 350 people in attendance. The rain may have kept people away this year and the society is considering moving their date back to October, she said.



                                                          Lydia Huggins

A display case in the museum that contains

a bowl, rolling pin, key, and gloves.  

                                                      

The festivities included exhibits of artifacts, door prizes, and vendors. Display cases contained vintage patterns for dresses, china dishes, jewelry, books, farm tools, old toys, and much more. The vendors were selling wares that were inspired by historical items such as arrowhead bracelets, quilts, baskets, and also food.



   ​         Some of the vintage toys were made by Mary Alice Siler, the society’s librarian. "I love it all. The museum brings back memories of the old things I grew up with," said Siler.

            The Whitley County Historical andGenealogical Society was formed in 1996, but recently moved into the old L & N Railroad Depot on Main Street in 2005 and turned it into their museum.

            "The University of the Cumberlands provided a building for us to rent each month for our museum. We've really been blessed," said Jones.

​            One of the rooms had a model train that was built and operated by Darrell Meadors, a former train conductor and currently a member of the historical society. Pictures, mementos, and videos of the old train station and trains were also displayed in the room.

   ​         The museum also has many records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, family trees, cemetery records, and other county documents. The records from Whitley County aren't exhaustive, but they also have a lot of records from Knox and McCreary Counties.

   ​         "Family history needs to be taught more in school," said David Moore, a visitor at Heritage Day. He was a high school teacher for many years and became very interested in his family history. He even found some relatives in Williamsburg that he didn't know about until he started searching. "Family history is fascinating," Moore said.

Freshman Fire on Monday nights

            “Freshman Fire” is held in the auditorium at the Bennett Building on UC’s campus every Monday at 8 p.m. According to previous freshman who are now leaders at the Bible Study, it's a great place to make memories and become involved with fellow freshmen at the Baptist Campus Ministries.

“We want freshman to transition well to campus and find a place to plug in and grow with other believers,” said Magan Atwood, the Director of Appalachian Ministries. “We started Freshman Fire five years ago when we saw a need to help students coming to campus find a place where they belong and they can be supported as they seek to grow closer to God.”

            Each Monday begins with girls and guys having fun, playing games, and socializing. Then the guys go to a smaller room for their devotional and the girls stay in the auditorium. After participating in a Bible study with the leader and the group, the larger group separates into small groups of four to discuss in depth what the lesson meant to each person. Atwood explains that the evening is all about connecting with peers who understand what you are going through as a freshman and to glorify God first and foremost.

            The valuable relationships made at the devotionals is what will “make this class bond in a way that will keep them close as Christians and close to the Lord,” said Dean Whitaker the Campus Minister. He wants to see “this place become a community for them to have fun and become deep spiritually.”

            As a former student and now an intern at the BCM, Kelsey Day said, “It was my first time in a small group with other girls connecting as Christians.” She loved it so much that now she is a leader at Freshman Fire and is investing in freshman girls and leading them to God.

           “There’s a very strong sense of community there,” said Lindsi Weis, a freshman who attended Freshman Fire. “The leaders have fostered an environment to be open and honest about where you are in your walk with the Lord.”

                                                      Jasmine Newport

Girls from Freshman Fire show off their ribbons that they made at the BCM's girls' night on September 27. From top left: Caroline Johnson, Abbey Cherry, Alisha Brown, Kelcey Day, Maggie Green, Chloe Fogle, Kaitlin DeJarnette, Lydia Huggins, Kara Cliffe, Kayla Sears, Kayla Smith, Julie Paris, Brianna Grooms, and Katie Reid.