Horizon Gate

Publishing Launched by Performing "Future Seed"

2011-12-02T12:34:00.001-08:00

The cover for the new ebook version of a
heartwarming short story.

With the performance of our two-person reader's theater piece, "Future Seed", we announce the beginning of our e-publishing venture.

You can now get your own copy of "Future Seed" the short story at http://bit.ly/futureseed .

See Mark's profile page

at http://bit.ly/markrtbooks

where the list of publications is growing.
Adaptation Process Starts

Now that publishing and world wide distribution costs next to nothing on the Internet, ebook purchases are growing faster than traditional print books. Mark is systematically adapting his key plays, screenplays, poetry and instructional material to make them available as ebooks.

Scripts to Books

Plays and screenplays will be taking the form of short stories and novellas. If there is interest in the script versions, either production arrangements will be made, or they could be made available for e-reading.

Poetry

Volumes of poetry could appear under various themes such as aspects of nature, inspirations from scripture, or comments on society. Mark may even include visual arts in a poetry volume.

Non-Fiction

How-to ebooks could include texts on our "Word Show" methodology and the plan for the Film Gallery Café.

Pick Your Favorite

If you remember a favorite script, story, or seminar we have presented in the past and would like to read it, e-mail your request to bump it up in priority for epublishing. e-mail mark (at) horizongate.org

Next Short Art Film In Production

2011-12-02T12:18:00.001-08:00

Frame #1

Frame #2

Frame #3
The sky and flowered landscape around a Minnesota lake peel back in a transition to deep space in the film "A Prayer for Beauty" by Mark Turner.

The third in our collection of short art films, entitled "A Prayer for Beauty", is in production with a release date at the first of February, 2012.

5 Year Hibernation

This film started as an illustrated poem printed in 2006. The photographic illustrations were then used as a slide show in art exhibits and this motivated Mark to begin animating elements of the illustrations. The motion graphics project was set aside and re-activated five years later to provide a third film in our next demonstration of the Film Gallery Café concept.

New Techniques

Mark sees a growth in his skills and ideas since first working on the film. For instance, he had been stumped as to what kind of sound track would be appropriate, but now has a rich sound design based on knowledge he has gained in music, spoken word and recording technique. New visual techniques are also enhancing the film.

Christmas Is Real

2011-12-02T12:07:00.001-08:00

Many are upset by some calling the Christmas story "myth" or even "fairy tale", but our faith is not based on material possibilities.

Truth is not limited to the scientific method. Is it possible that God moves heaven and earth to save humanity? Oh, yes. Does God overcome murderous opposition in the process? Oh, yes. Can we understand all this?

God has given us wondrous signs in the natural world and our ability to tell about them, to pass on the witness that God is, indeed, saving us. It is taking a long time by our reckoning, but in God's Love it is all accomplished.

Praise God for the privilege of walking through the drama with our fellow players, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the magi, people not so different from us in previous episodes. God is still walking us through even as we celebrate what He did back then; new circumstances, the same incomprehensible Truth.

It's our turn to hear God in dreams, accept hard missions like bearing children, registering for taxation, or fleeing from genocide; our turn to seek the new king, to give our wealth and allegiance to the kingdom of heaven.

Future episodes may refer to us too as fairy tales.

Art Capsulizes Truth Like Seeds

2011-10-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

Art is the capsulizing of multileveled Truth like seeds we hope will open in good soil, grow and bear more seeds.

In Matthew 13 Jesus talks about seeds: good and bad; of soils: prepared and unprepared. Why does he speak in parables covering up "the facts" with metaphor? Because so many close their eyes and hearts to guard against intrusion, fearing that God (or someone) might enter and do damage rather than heal.

The artist can not open unwilling eyes and hearts. Even God will not force revelation onto a person. So, we make seeds to be buried and await the conditions when the soil of the heart is conducive to the epiphany compressed within the seed.

To those whose hearts turn toward God are given the treasures locked inthe mysteries, parables, art and the myriad of other vehicles carrying the revelation of God. When we risk turning to God our eyes are opened, ears unstopped, seeds sprout to multiply further revelation of God in our lives.

In Psalm 40 the psalmist pictures himself in an impossible pit with walls of miry clay which can not be scaled. There he seeks God Who hears his cry, lifts him out and sets his feet on a firm rock where he can stand and make progress in all his potential. Artists need to believe that God will lift them out of the impossible place. When they experience that they capsulize it in art forms like seeds which will be carried in the soil of their audience's hearts until the time when it helps them to salvation.

Let us bear the fruit and scatter the seed generously.

"Future Seed" Two-Person Show Performing Near You

2011-10-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

Donna & Mark Turner perform reader's theater on national tour, 2007.

Mark and Donna are reviving their performance of "Future Seed" which was part of their national tour in 2007. It has received enthusiastic reception wherever it has been presented and now you can book it for your group.

A STORY FROM OUR ROOTS

The Turners tell this story in the vein of Garrison Keillor's "Lake Wobegon Days". It is all about a mid-western farming family transformed by the opportunity to act in risky faith and charity like their pioneer ancestors, by the gift of a trip to the Old World they are given and by the hostility it all generates from their neighbors.

Mark wrote the story speculating on characters like his own roots in Nebraska and Europe.

FOR ALL SEASONS

The storytelling lasts about 40 minutes and sparks conversations which can also be part of the program. As the story deals with both spring planting and harvest it makes an excellent centerpiece for both seasons. There is even a version which brings out Christmas references.

Available starting the end of November, the first booking is set for the December sixth Christmas dinner of the El Cajon Presbyterian women's group. Contact the Turners by e-mail, mark (at) horizongate.org to inquire about bookings.

Mobile Exhibit Inspires Creativity In Your Group

2011-10-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

Illustration of the art, film screen and conversations coming to your group.

The Film Gallery Cafe is now taking bookings for the mobile exhibit. We bring to your group the art films and art. You provide the place, beverages and cafe atmosphere.

THE BENEFITS

Just organizing a time and place to contemplate art and film in a conversational atmosphere with refreshments is reason enough to book the Film Gallery Cafe.
The conversations sparked by the films and art can take off in any direction your group wants and those who attend will be inspired on their individual spiritual journeys.
Artists and filmmakers in your group will be inspired in their own art production, or discover a way to collaborate with us. Would it not be wonderful for your own artists and filmmakers to eventually create enough to have their own Film Gallery Cafe? We can show them how.
These results are indeed worth bringing our exhibition to your venue.

YOUR OPTIONS MULTIPLY

Even as we go on the road with our current collection more films are being produced. The third film is in production with a finish date of February and will be a fitting way to start the event as it is "A Prayer for Beauty".
You can choose to follow that up with the more confrontational film "To the Diggers" and finish with the more contemplative "Comforting Hovers", or vice versa. Any order that you think is best for your group and event is your prerogative.
As other films become available more combinations are possible for return engagements.

HELPS TO BROADEN THE EXPERIENCE

At the tables we provide helps to encourage conversations such as cards with visuals and text from the films. Simple art materials are set out for doodling. Prints of artwork and DVD sales extend the experience beyond the event.

Donna Invited to Provide Program

2011-10-31T15:42:00.000-07:00

After our last demonstration of the Film Gallery Cafe, Donna was approached by a psychotherapist to collaborate on a lecture about self-compassion. The lecture will include references to the Prodigal Son story.

Donna is growing as a curator by gathering paintings and drawings of our artists for the slide show illustrating the talk. She has also been given the entire program for the meeting of the same group in February for which she will demonstrate the viewing/discussion concept of the Film Gallery Cafe.

Artist Support Group Explores Meaning

2011-10-31T15:36:00.000-07:00

In October the Artist Support group met for a lively discussion of the three stages of art.
Our new friend, Dr. Jim Soules, opened by leading our thoughts concerning Inspiration. Mark took up the discussion about the Execution of art. Donna led in thinking about the Exhibition of art.
The 13 attendees found our hour-and-a-half session instructive and helpful for the direction of our artistic endeavors.
The discussion also raised the topic for next time, but it is hard to find an appropriate title for it: "Meaningful" Art, or "Art with a Mission" - What is it? How does it fit in the world? How do we do it?
Join the discussion. The next meeting will be Dec. 4th, 12:00pm to 1:30 in the Guild Room of St. Paul's Cathedral, 5th & Nutmeg, San Diego (by Balboa Park). Everyone is welcome to these stimulating meetings.

Get the New DVD!

2011-09-28T16:03:00.000-07:00

Get the New DVD!

Be among the first to own your copy!

To Order e-mail mark (at) horizongate.org requesting the DVD you want and we will reply with a PayPal button and instructions for alternative methods of payment.

"Comforting Hovers" DVD -- $15

"To the Diggers" DVD -- $15

Both films on One DVD with all bonus materials -- $25

Films Get Born Again AGAIN as DVD's

2011-09-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

This sub-menu in the "Comforting Hovers" DVD will take you to 5 different conversation topics derived from the film.

Mark is giving birth to two films the third time by authoring DVD's for them.

The films made it through the inspiration (1st birth) and execution (2nd birth) and now have the difficult birth of exhibition. (See the article below "Giving Birth to One Baby Three Times".)
Unlike birthing a human baby, we can pause our labor right here to ask for help. Exactly like birthing babies, the "mother" must be fed and kept healthy, the lights kept on, the supplies flowing.

Will you help this birthing?

We need $1,000 dollars immediately to catch up on staff salary, utilities and supplies to print and package the DVD's.

Please click here to go to the "Donate" button on our homepage and contribute online, or click the "Donate" button on the right panel of this blog. (You do not need to have a PayPal account to make it work.)
or
send a check to Horizon Gate Productions, 4060 Louisiana St., San Diego, CA 92104.
We are a 501(c)3 organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
You can pre-order the DVD's in the post above.

Films are not complete works of art until people watch them. We are working on getting our short art films out as stimulants for life changing conversations.
"Comforting Hovers", the advent themed film, is ready to copy, print and package.
"To the Diggers", the film which just premiered in July, is in the process of being integrated into a DVD program.

The Main Menu for the DVD of "To the Diggers".

To review the Film-Gallery-Cafe concept
go to the latest blog post on it.

Bonus Materials
Both DVD's feature menus of helps for conversation, the text of the sound track poem and menus of artwork used in the films. Each film will be available as a single DVD and a DVD is being created to carry both films with all their bonus materials.

These DVD's will also be helpful tools in growing support for the Film-Gallery-Cafe concept. We hope to produce a video soon to accompany these DVD's explaining the gallery concept .

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Okay, may I continue to give birth now, please?.

Giving Birth to 1 Baby 3 Times

2011-09-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

Making a work of art is like giving birth three times. We must allow each birth to be fully realized, or suffer its premature death.
Only the artist feels this in such drastic terms. It often seems to artists that no one cares about "our baby".
The three births usually overlap. At each stage the artist is tempted to stop with a satisfaction of completion, but each stage must be thoroughly developed.

The Artist Support Group is hosting a fuller discussion of the three stages of art on Sunday, October 16th, 12 noon to 1:30pm in the Guild Room of St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103.

Inspiration

The idea excites the imagination and grows as the artist considers the range of methods, materials, and final outcomes. It is developing inside the artist. Planning, sketching and experimentation give way to the second birthing.

Execution

The artist chooses a path to realize the physical manifestation of the idea. Mistakes, re-working, labor, fatigue, losses and gains, discouragements, discoveries and successes are part of the process toward the final piece sitting completed in the artist's space. But, the piece could remain unknown without the third birth, and this one may be the hardest of all.

Exhibition

It can be like a christening, sending your child off to her first day of school, or giving her away in marriage when the artist brings their work out to the public. Having agonized to birth it twice already, the artist prepares to give it away, to say good-bye, knowing that it will never be fully realized until it enters the hearts of others.

Artists May Seem Crazy Sometimes

When a work is thoroughly developed in each stage it is truly a dear part of the artist and this is partly the reason for neurotic behavior of artists worrying about rejection, criticism and acceptance by others. Mark and Donna's dream is that the art and films we produce will spark new life and fellowship with God in the hearts of those who experience them.

Simulation of Film Gallery Cafe for Your Group

2011-08-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

Artwork used in the "Diggers" film was matted for display and used on flash cards to aid conversation.

     The first demonstration of the Film Gallery Café took place at St. Paul's Cathedral, Sunday, July 31st .
     The invitation to demonstrate the concept was a confirmation to us that this idea is indeed unique and timely.
     Approximately 35 people who attended the demonstration were very positive that the concept should be developed. About half of the participants wrote their comments on response forms and requested to be on our communications list.

One of the conversation cards

     Completing the film "To the Diggers" the week before was the first requirement for the demonstration. Next we needed to prepare display samples of the physical art which appeared in the film. Conversation cards were created bearing an image from the film and a thought provoking statement, or question.
     Participants sat around cafe style tables and talked about the films and art with the help of the cards and sketching materials.
     Fellow artists assisted in executing the event and expressed the desire to be involved as the concept develops into a full fledged ministry. Video excerpts of the event will soon appear on the St. Paul's Cathedral web page, click this link: http://stpaulcathedral.org/9am-forum .
     We are looking for more opportunities to demonstrate the beginnings of this community building outreach. The films and conversation will provide your group an intriguing event and they will be helping to develop this excellent concept. So, contact us if you have a group which may be interested.

"To the Diggers" Premieres with Calls for More

2011-08-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

     "To the Diggers" had its first public showing July 23rd at the annual Art-Jazz-Poetry event of St. Paul's Cathedral sponsored by their Center for the Performing and Visual Arts.
     The audience of approximately 90 applauded enthusiastically and called for a second showing. Comments afterward urged us to enter the film into festivals.
     At two minutes and 40 seconds, the film belies the two years it took to produce. It is a multidisciplinary work of art incorporating poetry, the spoken word, music, sound production, visual arts and filmmaking all created by Mark Turner.
     It is one of a prototype collection being built for use in our Film Gallery Café and to act as a catalyst for more productions in the genre. The film was part of a program of five poets, nine visual artists and a koto/violin duet.

"Move It Baby!" Campaign In Final Month

2011-08-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

Heart felt thanks to 34 individuals and one church who participated in moving us to the city: 15 by the sweat of their brows and loaning vehicles, 16 and one church by financial contribution and three in both ways! There is still time to contribute and get a reward. Click this cartoon.

     Many times in the last few months we had to reject thoughts about the "impossibility" of paying for the major move from the mountains to the city, let alone physically accomplishing it!
     By the grace of God and the faith of God's people we just put one foot in front of the other and soon our new office was busy completing a film and making an elaborate presentation of the mission. Many thanks to all who prayed, contributed and labored with us to get this far.
The Robbery
     Even getting robbed during the move fit into the plan! Our main audio and video equipment were part of the loot that was amassed by someone who hit many nearby places the first weekend of our move. Amazingly, our insurance policy is replacing all that equipment with more current models! We had not even tackled the thought of upgrading our equipment in addition to the move! We have to accept this as God turning a disaster into a house-warming gift to get a fresh start for greater things coming.
What's Spent - What's Still Needed
     The expenses of the move did hit us but we have been able to ride the wave instead of wiping out (a little surfing lingo in honor of coming back to the ocean breezes). The goal of $7,000 which we set in June turns out to be accurate in the moving needs for which we are campaigning. The $3,371 which has come in so far has kept us moving ahead with the extra gas, extra food, truck rentals, dump fees, moving supplies and rent deposit.
     The storage units and some outstanding balances on old utilities still need help. You can help get us back to normal cash flow by clicking the DONATE button on our homepage, or sending a check to our new address: 4060 Louisiana St., CA 92104.

Film Premieres with Music & Desserts July 23

2011-07-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

     The first public showing of Mark Turner's film "To the Diggers" is scheduled as part of the annual Music-Poetry-Art event, Saturday, July 23, 7 pm in The Great Hall of St. Paul's Cathedral, 5^th and Nutmeg, San Diego.
     The art and sound track of the film are nearing completion but Mark will be working long hours to finish just by the deadline. Part of the presentation is intended to include some of the physical art used to make the film. This will happen if the time and expense of matting and framing the art can be squeezed into the schedule.
     The film has been in production for about two years woven through all the delays and turmoil of disengaging from our mountain home base in Julian.
     Music for the evening will feature Reiko Obata on the Japanese Koto. She will be accompanied by violinist Annelle Gregory, recently featured at Carnegie Hall. Well known local poets and artists will also present their works and luscious deserts will be served.
     Tickets for the event (suggested donation of $10) can be reserved by e-mailing Rev. Richard Lief liefr@stpaulcathedral.org .

First Demo of Film Gallery Cafe July 31

2011-07-08T18:39:00.000-07:00

     Our concept of the Film Gallery Café will be demonstrated at the St. Paul's Cathedral Forum in The Guild Room on Sunday, JuLY 31, 9 to 10am.
     Cathedral Dean, the Very Reverend Scott Richardson suggested that people need to see what we are describing in order to support it and he extended the Forum to do so.
     This will be the first time we attempt to simulate what we are envisioning and we are hoping artists, filmmakers and arts supporters will connect with us there.
     The first showing of Mark's film, "To the Diggers", a week before (see above article) will have been the next step in the on-going vision of our ministry to present a collection of short art films along with the art used to make them. We want to present the collection in a place where it will stimulate significant conversations which draw people to God.
     The Forum will offer a short introduction and the showing of two films each followed by conversation and art viewing. Forms will be available to retrieve people's responses, suggestions and offers of involvement.

Key Ministry Tools Stolen During Move

2011-07-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

Key tools for ministry were stolen during the move. Clockwise from top left: audio work station (recorder), portable audio recorder, external hard drive for the keyboard, video camera, studio microphones

     After nearly 11 years of peace in Julian, as we began our move to the city, we were robbed. Key instruments of our ministry were stolen as they sat prepared for the move. The Sheriff told us that this was part of a rash of burglaries in our neighborhood on the weekend of June 24.
     When we reached to pick up our video camera in its expensive case it was not there. Then we looked for our digital audio workstation in its case, the portable audio recorder, the expensive microphones, the big bag of all our cords and recording accessories --- gone.
     The total replacement value of the losses is estimated at $8,910. We await the decision of the insurance company as to how much, if any, of the loss is covered.
     Please pray that we will have the tools we need to create the works of audio and film which God has inspired in our hearts. We had prayed for God's protection in this whole move and still believe that even this robbery is within God's abundant care.
     May God use this incident to show His ability to provide all we need. Donations to off-set the loss can be given by clicking the "Donate" button on our homepage.

Moving Campaign Almost Accomplished

2011-07-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

Our new front room is till clogged with boxes and as yet undecorated.

     We have made great strides toward our goal of $7,000 for the moving expenses. One church, eight individual donors, one yard sale and the sale of our washer/dryer/refrigerator have raised $3,171.
     That has made it possible to pay first month rent plus half of the deposit. On top of that we have been able to rent a truck twice, buy gas for many trips up and down the mountain, as well as feed some laborers and pay a dump fee.
     Nine people have put in labor and their valuable time physically moving us. Thank you for that generous sacrifice, friends.
     The July rent and half of the deposit are due on the 17^th . We had to rent a storage unit and we still have two more trips to finish up the last details in a borrowed truck.
     We need to reach that $7,000 goal to accomplish this new start. $3,829 to go!
     Thanks to all who have pitched in and to all sources of help whom the Lord is using to conquer this move. Follow the progress on our homepage where you can click on the "Donate" button to participate and receive our thank you gifts.

Three ways to help the campaign:

Click here to go to our homepage "Donate" button and make a one-time contribution, or write a check to Horizon Gate Productions and send it to P.O.Box 2186, Julian, CA 92036
Make a monthly pledge for July through August via conventional check, or online (e-mail: markanddonna (at) horizongate.org)
Purchase Shaklee products from us instead of store brands. We will send you a list of store products most people already buy from which you could switch. (e-mail: markanddonna (at) horizongate.org)

Move To Be Done By June 30th

2011-05-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

We have finally been given June 30, midnight, as the firm time to be moved out.

This blog is a prayer.

We are making our needs known, putting the list out there in the same way we would pray privately, well, maybe more concisely. God knows we are talking a lot to Him and listening, listening, for the wise guidance He has promised.

Needs

a place to live and work:

2, or 3 bedroom
garage
quiet (to record, to write, to think)
not far away from the city as we have been, nor bereft of natural inspiration
funds for first month rent and deposit (average amount to get into a place: $3,400)

help to move:

strength
vehicles
funds for extra gas, rental of truck & dolly and to feed helpers

There is no question we need the right people to help open the way for us to continue doing in a different place what God has called us to do with our lives. Your help is needed to minimize the upheaval of this move at a time when we are attempting to finish a film for its July premiere.

(See the article "Film Visuals Expand Sound Track")

Three ways to help the campaign:

Click HERE and then on the "Donate" button to make a one-time contribution, or write a check to Horizon Gate Productions and send it to P.O.Box 2186, Julian, CA 92036
Make a monthly pledge for June through August via conventional check, or online (e-mail: markanddonna (at) horizongate.org)
Purchase Shaklee products from us instead of store brands. We will send you a list of store products most people already buy from which you could switch. (e-mail: markanddonna (at) horizongate.org)

Help minimize the down time of this move and get us all hooked up again so we don't have to skip a beat in our mission. Then you can come to our house blessing party (to be announced) knowing a piece of you is in this big move.

New Details Emerge for Film Gallery Cafe

2011-05-30T17:31:00.000-07:00

     The vision of the Film Gallery Café is taking on more concrete form. Our brochure-in-the-making describes the "peaceful, open and friendly place where you meet for good conversation" around short, thought provoking films and the tangible art used to make them. It describes the multi-layered experience of film, art and conversation which encourages spiritual growth.
Helps for Conversation
     Some new details of the vision are to provide the audience with art materials to help facilitate responses to the films and art through notes, sketches and doodles. These will be offered the opportunity to be posted at the venue and online. They may even be the basis for contests and new films.
Three Phases
     It is becoming clearer that the growth of the vision into a mission is happening in three phases:
1.) Creating the Prototype Collection of films and art (now)
2.) Touring the Mobile Exhibit as a service to existing galleries, coffee houses, community centers and houses of faith (perhaps by next summer)
3.) A Permanent Home in a resident gallery as homebase for the touring exhibit (when we have sufficient following and support base).
The Team
     Other details are coming into focus such as positions on the working team of Content Creators, Exhibitors, Business People, and Finance.

Film Visuals Expand Sound Track

2011-05-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

Mark's drawing of the space
shuttle launch culminates a
film sequence depicting
humanity striving to top themselves.

It has become apparent that the brevity of the sound track for "To the Diggers"

is cramping the style of the images Mark is creating for it. The images simply need more time to grow, move and be appreciated. To deprive the images of their proper timing would be to force the dance to take a short cut and become trivial.
So, the sound track is being expanded, giving opportunity to improve it with more expressive detail. This means more work, requiring more time in order to be ready for the July premiere deadline right at the time of our major move.
Please read the article "Move to Be Done by June 30th" to see ways you can help minimize the interruption of the move so we can get this film done in time.

Now you can follow our filmmaking on one blog devoted completely to our progress building the art film collection. The blog is called "Film Gallery Colxn" and you are invited to subscribe. Click on this link to go see our design unfold:

http://filmgallerycolxn.blogspot.com.

"Move It, Baby!" Campaign Is On

2011-04-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

Since our property is now in escrow, we estimate our move will need to happen mid to late June. This is right during months when our income has traditionally slumped. The extra expenses of moving and paying deposits for the new place will be extra challenging

UNLESS . . .

a bunch of people collaborate with us in the"Move It, Baby!" campaign.

No heavy lifting required! Just pledge whatever you can for the months of May, June, July and August. Help pay for the truck, the gas, first & last month rent deposit, and miscellaneous stuff that will hit us in the face during that time.

Three Ways to Help in the Campaign:

Click the house at right to make a one-time contribution, or write a check to Horizon Gate Productions and send it to P.O.Box 2186, Julian, CA 92036
Make a monthly pledge for May through August via conventional check, or online
Purchase $30 worth of Shaklee products and get FREE membership (a $19.95 value including a 15% discount on future purchases). We will send you a list of store products most people already buy from which you could switch.

Leave a comment here and tell us which way you want to participate. Help minimize the down time of this move and get us all hooked up again so we don't have to skip a beat in our mission. Then you can come to our house blessing party (to be announced) knowing a piece of you is in this big move.

Artists to Give 5 Minute Presentations

2011-04-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Artist Support Group held its first meeting at St. Paul's Cathedral, downtown San Diego, April 3^rd. More writers, performers and visual artists showed up than expected and all were enthusiastic about the potential benefits of the group.

After introductions the discussion touched upon the needs of artists, how we could help each other and what the group might sponsor. Two modes of help were proposed:

1.) Regular meetings for networking, information and how-to helps.

Next meeting will be May 15^thdevoted to getting to know one another. Artists are invited to give a 5 minute (max) presentation of themselves. The number of presentations will be limited to about 10. Please send Mark a synopsis of your presentation if you are interested in presenting (markarturner (at) gmail.com) . The meeting will be in the Guild Room of St. Paul's starting about 12:15pm. Bring a lunch.

2.) In-between meetings interaction online and getting together personally.

Discussions have been started on the Facebook page for Cathedral Center for the Performing and Visual Arts ( http://on.fb.me/centerarts ). The topics are "Galleries to Show In", "Films Recommended by Artists", and "Books for Artists". Please go "like" the page and participate in the discussions. You can even start new topics.

For more information call Donna's cell 760-445-9470, or e-mail Mark

markarturner(at)gmail.com.

Work In Progress About Work In Progress

2011-04-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

Mark's drawing of a construction worker guiding the placement of a steel beam is superimposed over another drawing in progress of a skyscraper under construction. When the drawing is complete there will be two skyscrapers. The drawings are part of a sequence to be culminated by the launch of the Space Shuttle. This is the second-to-last visual sequence in the film aiming for a release date in July.

http://filmgallerycolxn.blogspot.com.

Artist Support Group Holds First Meeting

2011-03-30T16:03:00.001-07:00

The first meeting of the Artist Support Group will be this Sunday, April 3^rd , shortly after 12 noon in the Guild Room of St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103. Bring your own lunch.

This meeting will be a guided discussion of benefits which the group could offer such as tips for the business side of your art, income generating through your art and aids to productivity.

Many artists have expressed interest in this group on various levels of need. Some are concerned about a lack of inspiration and being "blocked". Others feel the need for an accountability group to aid their productivity. Still others want to know how to make a living without curtailing their art.

All of these needs are related: without inspiration your productivity is lowered which, in turn, limits the art that people will invest in, or base various kinds of financial support upon. Without financial support the artist has to do something else and the world is the poorer for it.

Under the sponsorship of St. Paul's Center for the Performing and Visual Arts, we hope this group will help artists work out solutions to these challenges and that more art will flow as a result. It is based on the model of mutual help, networking and occasional guest speakers.

All interested artists and arts supporters in all artistic disciplines (including writing and filmmaking) are invited to come. For more information call Donna's cell 760-445-9470, or e-mail Mark markarturner@gmail.com .

We Search with Imaginative Faith for Home

2011-03-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

A little ways down the hill from the main house, these offices and studios have seen many scripts, recordings and film edits. The surrounding grounds and wild life have given much inspiration to all who have worked with us and attended our events.

In case you have not heard, the Turners and Horizon Gate are moving! A little background on this is found at our blog post Move Makes Mission Lean and Focused

So far we feel like Abraham and Sarah going out not knowing where they were going. We are their spiritual descendants in faith and, despite uncomfortable moments, we too walk not by appearances, but with hope.

We are looking and praying not for just rooms, but for a place which will better support our mission. Some of the key aspects we need are:

a quiet place to write, compose, record and edit audio-visuals
a production area for visual arts
a location with quicker access to people and business than Julian
property management which supports our mission by flexibility and low lease price
facilities which accommodate both home and office/production area

We imagine these points could be found in a two, or three bedroom house with space around it and a garage. This requires the right situation with the right people.

Please employ your imagination to help us find the best situation so that we can get on with the exciting plans for Horizon Gate.

"Diggers" Production Explores Drawing Techniques

2011-03-30T15:26:00.001-07:00

Mark's colored pencil drawing of toddlers watching their world being washed away by a flood illustrates references in the poem to natural disasters.

Our current short art film production, "To the Diggers", is a hybrid of poetic spoken word, music, sound effects, visual arts and motion graphics.

We have commenced production of the visuals for the fourth of five stanzas in the poem. In this stanza Mark is creating visuals depicting humanity's age-old efforts to re-shape the universe for its own purposes: giant earth movers, skyscraper construction, space vehicle launches.

Mark drew this road grader digitally using a computer mouse and Photoshop techniques. It will be integrated into the section of the film referring to earth moving.

As in most of Mark's projects, he is stretching himself to learn new techniques. This project is expanding his knowledge of combining traditional drawing on paper with digital drawing on the computer screen. He is pushing himself to complete as much of the film as possible before we move to new quarters which could be as soon as in two months.
This colored pencil drawing by Mark is in the section of the film referring to leaders avoiding responsibility for people's needs.

Now you can follow our filmmaking on one blog devoted completely to our progress building the art film collection. The blog is called "Film Gallery Colxn" and you are invited to subscribe. Click on this link to go see our design unfold:

http://filmgallerycolxn.blogspot.com.

Move Makes Mission Lean and Focused

2011-02-25T17:21:00.001-08:00

Looking from the offices this is the great room where so many Horizon Gate events have taken place. Click the photo to go to the real estate listing page.

The beautiful property in Julian has accomplished much for Horizon Gate over the last ten years. Now the vision calls for more simplicity and focus for our greatest accomplishments yet.

We are selling the Julian property to eliminate the liabilities of mortgage payments, maintenance, taxes, insurance and travel expenses. Though we have striven to keep the benefits of this retreat setting, the liabilities have begun to take attention, time and energy away from our mission which is the higher priority. Please help us spread the word to find the buyer who can take this property on from here. Click on Julian Property to see the listing with Tom Dunlap at Ascent Realty.

We are praying for a place which will better support our mission. Some of the key aspects we need are:

a quiet place to write, compose, record and edit audio-visuals
a production area for visual arts
a location with quicker access to people and business than Julian
property management which supports our mission by flexibility and low lease price
facilities which accommodate both home and office/production area

These points require the right people at the right time and sufficient income. It takes faith and imagination to find more than just "whatever you can afford". Please employ your imagination to help us find the best situation so that we can get on with the exciting plans for Horizon Gate.

"To the Diggers" Film Revives Production

2011-02-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

Above, one of Mark Turner's drawings for the combat section of the film "To the Diggers". (copyright 2011)

"To the Diggers" went into hiatus during the stage production of "The Little Prince" but now resumes its slow evolution.
The art work of the film has progressed through the poetic sound track depicting massive crowds, political campaigns, war, historic dictators and the news media. It now enters a sequence of human casualties in the wake of disasters.
Mark researches and draws all the pictures sometimes taking a whole day to complete one. He then scans the drawing and inserts it into the film using motion graphics to pan, zoom and apply special effects to it. Every visual is timed second-by-second to the spoken word, sound effects and music of the sound track.

Completion of the film is projected within about two more months and then Mark begins the next short art film. Our goal is to produce a prototype collection of art films to demonstrate the Film Gallery Café where guests will view and discuss the films and framed art used in them. At the heart of our mission is the faith that our viewers will meet God both in our art and in the conversations it stimulates.

"Little Prince" Is Loved by All

2011-02-25T16:37:00.000-08:00

In the photo above the Geographer (Donna Turner) talks with the Little Prince (Marjorie Oslie) in the reader's theater style stage adaptation of "The Little Prince". Mark Turner's artwork provides the backdrop for the scene in this audience view point photo by Shinichi Evans. Full view of the artwork below. (copyright 2011)

Horizon Gate collaborated with St.Paul's Cathedral Center for the Performing and Visual Arts in the production of "The Little Prince" based on the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Three performances took place February 16 - 18 in the chancel of the cathedral with most of the tickets sold and the final evening sold out. Donna played two characters and a narrator. Mark created drawings and digital art to provide 56 slides as projected backdrops for the play.

Turners on KLOVE Radio Sunday, January 30

2011-01-27T17:04:00.000-08:00

Mark and Donna Turner will be heard in a radio interview Sunday, Jan. 30. The interview will be aired on KLOVE 100.1FM in the San Diego region as part of a 5pm program. The interview itself will play between 5:20 and 6pm. This is an opportunity to be introduced to our ministries. It covers such topics as Horizon Gate's history, accomplishments, mission, current work and expectations. It also calls for those interested to contact us about collaborations in the arts and filmmaking. Please let us know what you think of it by e-mail to markanddonna (at) horizongate.org, or by leaving a comment here.

Jumping the Asteroids with "The Little Prince"

2011-01-25T21:20:00.001-08:00

You can come with us to this asteroid plus enjoy side trips to neighboring asteroids on February 16, 17 and 18. Above is one of many illustrations which Mark is creating to be projected as backdrops for the the stage production of "The Little Prince" based on the classic book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The production marks our first collaboration with St. Paul's Center for the Visual & Performing Arts. Donna plays three characters on stage and Mark also assists with the music and audio. Don't miss this unique interpretation of the simple yet profound story. Proceeds will benefit Dorcas House, a mission of compassion in Tijuana, Mexico. Tickets are available online at http://littleprince.eventsbot.com.

Interest Grows for Artists Support Group

2011-01-25T21:11:00.000-08:00

Out of our own needs to grow in new ways of generating support for our art and ministry we are exploring the formation of an artists support group.

This would be a regular meeting for working artists of all kinds (and those wanting to become so) who want to learn how to better support their life in the arts. Each meeting would be at a location in San Diego and consist of members sharing their knowledge, successes and current efforts in the business of the arts.
There would also be presentations from artists who have successfully made a living in the arts. The group would create opportunities for networking, collaboration and circulation in the arts community, all of which can result in "paying gigs".
Several artists have expressed interest. If you, or an artist you know is interested in being in this group, please send Mark your thoughts and questions by e-mail to markarturner (at) gmail.com .

We Help Other Non-profits Keep Their Doors Open

2011-01-25T20:56:00.000-08:00

Many non-profit organizations, charities and ministries have closed their doors because of the economic hardships of the past two years. You can help save others from closing AND support our directors, Mark and Donna, by helping them provide free fund raisers to non-profits. Through their health and wellness business in Shaklee they provide non-profits a free web site with shopping cart, top-of-the-line products and ability to operate in seven countries. It is all free of charge to non-profits. See the presentation at this video: http://tinyurl.com/freefunds2 . Then e-mail to donna (at) horizongate.org about a presentation to the non-profit you are thinking of.

Gardening Vision Launches 2011

2011-01-25T20:31:00.000-08:00

Horizon Gate's annual planning retreat asked "What has God called us to be?" Much time was given for soul searching, prayer, discussion and remembering. We finally came back to this primordial great commission from God: "Be fruitful and multiply."

This is a matter of planting, watering, cultivating and harvesting. We want always to be living with the perspective of all these types of work, always engaged in a primary project of one, or more of these focus areas.

Consider these examples of fruitfulness and multiplication in ourselves and our service to others:

Plant: In Ourselves - Daily acknowledge and thank God that we have been planted and are growing.

To Others - Produce, exhibit and market films and art which carry God's truth like seed searching for good soil in peoples hearts.

Water: In Ourselves - Maintain a daily devotional routine. Intentionally seek out inspiration from others' artistic expressions, i.e: worship services, plays, concerts, retreats, exhibits, films.

To Others - Offer inspirational enrichment through our expressions of life principles by means of our writing, products and events, i.e.: Say Let There Be, Artingle shop, blogs: artingle.blogspot.com, horizongate.blogspot.com, healthinthejungle.blogspot.com.

Cultivate: In Ourselves - Receive regular input from artistic, theological, scholarly, social and entrepreneurial sources, i.e: exhibits, plays, film festivals, concerts, books, seminars, seminary courses.

To Others - Offer informal and/or formal mentoring to younger artists, offer training events in the arts and business of the arts (see the article "Artists Support Group Coming Soon").

Harvest: In Ourselves - Achieve goals of accomplishment which produce greater glory to God, i.e: publish book, poetry and artwork; have exhibition of a body of work in art and films; write a script which is produced by another production company.
To Others - See someone respond to our art, films and seminars by choosing to follow Christ and/or become more vital in their walk with God.

Shop Offers Community Building Crafts

2010-12-01T16:39:00.001-08:00

Christmas handcrafts are now available at Mark's online visual arts shop, Artingle.

The items draw us toward God in the community of one another through simple crafts depicting key symbols and scenes of the holidays. You may receive these black and white images by e-mail as digital files which you can print, color, cut out, fold and use to decorate your home.
Beyond Crafts
It is akin to prayer and meditation when you take time to slow down and create an object full of meaning about the celebration of Christmas. In another way when a group works together on these projects, special conversation occurs, memories are made, fellowship strengthens the bond of love between the participants. The finished objects trigger the memories of the conversations and fellowship as they hang and sit around the house. Then, in coming years, those good experiences can have a rebirth as the creations are brought out of storage for future celebrations.
Lots to Choose From

You may choose between eleven simple projects by Mark: a nativity scene, a Christmas tree, five gift tags, three elegant ornaments and a greeting card. Each one may be printed as many times as desired and colored in infinite ways. Suggestions for variations are included.

All the items may be purchased in one Christmas Celebration Kit at a 40% discount.

Parents and teachers will find welcome activities here for classes and groups. Parties will be enhanced by several activity stations using these projects.

Browse through them and Mark's other visual offerings at http://Artingle.Etsy.com

Get Gifts for Helping Our Film Grants

2010-12-01T16:10:00.000-08:00

At the encouragement of some new advisers with experience in obtaining grants, we are developing proposals to submit to foundations.
These proposals will focus on gaining support for testing our idea of the Film-Gallery-Café, the venue with a conversational atmosphere where we envision exhibiting short art films and the physical art used to make them.
To Make A Prototype
The idea needs a prototype to be demonstrated in order to gain understanding and following. This requires special funding. For instance, production of "To the Diggers", one of the films in the initial collection, is making slow progress because computer programs need upgrading and Mark's time is taken up with immediate income crises. With proper funding this and other films awaiting production could take on a continuous daily schedule and have the right tools.
With major funding we could attract collaborators in the gallery and café expertise.

Where You Come In
Foundations are more open to funding projects which have a good donor base of individual, monthly pledges. You could be part of helping us attract major funding by pledging even a small monthly amount.
In appreciation for your pledge we have prepared gifts from Mark's Artingle shop for 2011 Pledgers!

For Pledges of $10, or more per month - a Christmas ornament to craft (click here to choose one)

For Pledges of $20, or more per month - Two Christmas ornaments to craft (click here to choose two)

For Pledges of $40, or more per month - The Nativity scene for you to craft (click here see it)

For Pledges of $100, or more per month - The Christmas Celebration Kit (click here see it)

Pledge by e-mailing to info (at) horizongate.org with a short note stating your pledge of any amount and your choice of ornaments (if applicable). We will send back a confirmation with your gift and our heartfelt thanks.

2 Sound Tracks - Vote for 1

2010-10-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

Following are two versions of the sound track for our art film "To the Diggers". Help choose one by listening to both versions. Then, in your comments, vote for the version you prefer and convince us to use that one. Until December 1 e-mail your vote and comments to mark (at) horizongate.org with permission to add you to our mailing list and we will give you free, signed artwork from the film.

Guess What This Is And Win

2010-10-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is a drawing of part of something shown in the film "To the Diggers". The first person who guesses what it is by January 1 (12am) will win a signed copy of the film. Listen to the sound track above in this blog for clues. Give as many guesses as you want in the comment box below, or by e-mail to mark (at) horizongate.org. Mark might respond with a clue for further guesses if you beg!

Help Choose Film Sound Track

2010-10-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

As Mark has been creating the visual portion of our film, "To the Diggers", ideas for improving the sound track have been occurring to us. You can help us choose the sound track by listening and commenting on two versions. Until December 1 we will give you signed artwork from the film if you leave your e-mail addresses with your comments.

Two versions of the sound track are posted on the Web including this blog (above). They are in the form of two separate videos, approximately 2 minutes long, and the visual is just a still graphic. Please listen to both versions. Then, in your comments, state the version you prefer and convince us to use that one.

The more friends and family you get to listen and comment the better we'll know how to make the sound track.

Both versions are posted on each of the following links. Go to one of the sites and enjoy listening:

Our Indiegogo Campaign Site: http://indiegogo.com/Art-Gets-Home Listen to both sound tracks on the "Update" tab. Vote and comment on the "Comment" tab.
The Artingle Blog: http://artingle.blogspot.com Just vote and comment under each version. While you're there why not subscribe to the blog?
Facebook: Horizon Gate Productions page http://artist.to/horizongate/Mark's Profile page http://profile.to/markrturner/ Choose and comment under each video in the video section. Choose and comment under each video in the video section.
Horizon Gate's Blog: http://horizongate.blogspot.com Just vote and comment under each version. While you're there why not subscribe to the blog?
Horizon Gate's You Tube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/horizongate?feature=mhum Comment in the channel comment box. While you're there, subscribe to our channel.

Help us make this movie!

Final Days for "Art Gets Home"

2010-10-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

November 21 is the last full day of our Art Gets Home campaign to secure our Horizon Gate homebase. Visit our campaign page at Indiegogo.com ( http://indiegogo.com/Art-Gets-Home ) and you will see video of the place with Mark explaining the challenge.

As of this writing there have been over 1,621 views of the campaign home page. If just one-third of those people had contributed the lowest level of support offered, $20, our homebase for the arts would be current with the mortgage and have some funds toward coming payments.

There is still time to make our goal of $8,908. As each person contributes, many who might have only viewed the site are encouraged to make that next, simple click to join in. Even giving the smallest amount anonymously, helps build the momentum to rescue this important ministry.

At each level of funding signed artwork, photography and films are offered as "thank you's" for your strategic help.

Ten years ago a major gift made it possible for us to begin radiating life-giving art from this place. It has been a place of inspiration to many who have attended events and seminars here. It has been a place encouraging original, imaginative creation, and conducive to quality preparation for mission trips. This has been an important place for recuperation when returning from ministry outreaches.

With the help of our supporters this homebase will be developed and improved for even greater ministry to come.

When you help send bread to famine victims you feed a few for a finite time.
When you help send our art to a world seeking God you feed countless souls for eternity.

That is the importance and value of this homebase.

Two Earmarks of God's Work

2010-10-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

Everywhere we look there are forces and circumstances that break apart and scatter people.

Two Earmarks

We have recently been reminded by Christ's life that faith is characterized by "gathering" and "generosity" (Luke 11).

These are earmarks of God's actions among us. When we see these happening, we know where to put our support and what to cooperate with.

Want to see what God is
doing in the world?

Look for deeds that are healing divisions between people and gathering us together. Avoid people, organizations, and media that are divisive in language, visuals, attitudes and actions. Embrace what is conciliatory and usually you will find openness and generosity in there with it.

Generosity seems easier to spot, but it comes in many forms from handing a street person some change, to listening to someone's problems. We thank God for a generous plumber who recently broke away from his schedule to come over and help in an emergency.

In Tough Times

When times are tough it is harder to be generous with schedule and resources. But, without generosity toward one another, how will we survive the tough times? Yes, God will save us. God's way is to engage the flesh and blood walking on earth. We come into tough times often because we do not live as God's gathering, generous people.
That's learning the hard way. We know we're tired of it. How about you?

Still learning and growing,

Mark and Donna Turner
November, 2010

We Have Power of Place

2010-09-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

Arts Home Base - Main house viewed from office/studio -- Here we can produce our films and art, house collaborating artists, and hold events. Situated in a mountain retreat setting near a historic California gold mining town, we neighbor other facilities which can house larger retreats and temporary production space. Helping us keep this property is a substantial boost to the creation of art and films which draw people to God. Through this place you can be an important factor in art and films which give countless people hope and courage to do great things.

When you apply for a job you expect the establishment to have some structure in which to work. Even if the job is out in the field, or on the road, you have someone someplace to relate to. We usually steer clear of a "business" which can not be found on the map.

So, too, artists usually need to operate out of more than the trunk of their car.

Ten years ago we were helped with a major gift to begin purchasing the place for our arts ministry. You can be part of the beauty and inspiration which now flows from this arts haven in the mountains around Julian, California. From here we have created art for ministries in Africa, Australia, North America and the global Internet. From this home base we assist and teach arts in our city as well as overseas. Having this place has made it possible to create art that carries the light of Christ around the world.

Please visit our "Art Gets Home" page http://indiegogo.com/Art-Gets-Home . Watch the video there to see pictures of the place. Listen to Mark's three-and-a-half minute presentation and peruse the levels of contribution from as low as $20. We are giving away signed art, photography and films as "thank you's" for contributions.

Art Reveals the Unseen

2010-09-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

Drawings for the film "To the Diggers" -- Here is a sequence of drawings by Mark Turner studying a TV studio camera and camera operator. A TV studio is usually a mass of technology that we don't want to look at. Everything is focused on the illusion created by the gleaming set. But, these drawings show very intriguing shapes, lines and colors behind the scene which will entertain our viewers' eyes. Part of the mission of our film of drawings is to reveal more than the viewer normally thinks about. As a film the drawings will move through the field of vision and show a relationship to each other. In the gallery the drawings will stand alone as still images. In both ways the art will illuminate the mind and heart of the beholder.

Not Knowing Everything Is Very Freeing

2010-09-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

by Mark Turner

The same picture can take on wildly different meanings depending on your attitude, world view, and faith. Remember that we do not see the whole picture. There are unseen things going on. That's not just “spooky talking”; it's just reality: you can't know everything! So, looking at the circumstances of your life, pessimism could be completely unfounded. Well, optimism could be unfounded too, . . . unless you embrace faith.

Faith informs our view point that yet unseen good is coming, that observable bad circumstances are not the whole picture, that God is always working all factors together for the good. Scripture is packed with promises and reassurances that God loves and delights in us, that God is everything we need, defending, rescuing and providing regardless of the way things seem.

Is God delaying the help we need? We simply can not see God working out factors we do not even know are part of the picture. Too often the “normal” response is to focus all of our strength, soul and mind on ourselves as the self-sufficient masters of everything. This could and does kill people. I mean, consider the stress that puts on us.

Give faith a boost by remembering that we do not know everything, but God does. Say, “Hey, for all I know God has the answer right around the corner.” Is this self-delusion? Call it what you like. I think a lot more is accomplished with this attitude than when we say, “I know it all. Get out of my way,” and then proceed to make things worse.

Those that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, rise up with wings, run and walk without fainting (Isaiah 40:31). Value your understanding, but do not rely exclusively on it since it is but one aspect of the picture. Rather, acknowledge God in all your ways and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5).

Thinking and speaking with faith releases us from the pressure to fix everything ourselves, which is the impossible obligation put on us by a self-centered world. Interestingly, when we acknowledge we don't know everything, we relax and experience the joyful freedom needed to release creativity for effective partnership with God in ultimate solutions. Why would we want to live any other way?!

Art Gets Home - grab this place to radiate hope

2010-09-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

Through this place you can be an important factor in art and films which give courage and hope to countless people. Help us secure our home base by either going to http://www.indiegogo.com/Art-Gets-Home , or going to http://www.horizongate.org and clicking on the "Donate" button to participate. (donations are tax deductible)
Beauty and inspiration will keep flowing from this place if we work together. $2,700 is needed by Sept. 30. An additional $5,619 will be needed by the end of October.
The equivalent of 12 pledges of $110.58 per month is needed to keep up on the payments. Call Donna's cell, 760-445-9470, to pledge.
Here is a concrete way to support the arts that inspire the world to do great things.

"To the Diggers" Film Enters News Media

2010-08-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Drawings of political campaigns have given way to drawings of news anchors and pundits. These drawings will be part of a montage corresponding to this part of the poem:

"We, transfixed by
images, Chew on shiny, tasty,
sexy fear, . . ."

The poem speaks of the transitory nature of statements blown out of proportion by the media today.

Mark spends many hours searching for models and then creating the drawings. The overall effect of all the drawings with the rich sound track will be very engaging. To see more drawings and follow the progress of the production go to Mark's blog, http://artingle.blogspot.com .

We Help Other Nonprofits Use Business As Mission

2010-08-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

Non-profit organizations are feeling the loss of support as the economy has cut employment and as large donors have pulled back. Many charities and ministries have closed their doors. Many churches have measured a sharp decrease in giving. Horizon Gate too is suffering. But, the needs for which a mission was started do not go away just because the money does.
The Ministry of Helping Non-Profits
This is why we have attached to our mission "cause marketing," the work of helping other non-profits raise funds by inviting people to switch brands in support of their cause.
Newman' Own brand helped popularize "cause marketing" by donating all company profits to charity. The Shaklee corporation is giving non-profits free, perpetual fund raisers. At no charge, Shaklee, the number one all natural nutrition company in the U.S., is providing a state-of-the-art shopping web site and the means to earn a large, residual income internationally. As non-profits accept the opportunity, the Turners receive a percentage of their Shaklee business and that helps support the ministry of Horizon Gate too.

Organizations Are Signing On
One church has signed up under the Turners and another church is very positive about it. We will soon present the concept of "cause marketing" to an organization which does construction projects in low income communities. The Turners are presenting this program about once-a-month. As these organizations sell the products and sign up their own Shaklee distributors, they could add $10,000 to $14,000 to their annual budgets within six months. There is no limit to how much they could grow this fund raiser, especially when expanding into the currently open Shaklee markets of Canada, Mexico, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan and China.
Send Your Non-Profits Our Way
If you know of, or help a non-profit organization such as a church, private school, service organization, PTA, arts organization, or Sports club, chances are that they need the benefits of this opportunity. Please put them in touch with us: 760-445-9470, e-mail HealthIntheJungle@gmail.com. They can see an introductory video at http://tinyurl.com/freefunds2

Business and Mission Go Together

2010-08-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

When the Mission Machine didn't feed all the bill collectors . . .

. . . Earl knew he had to push some of those other buttons.

Our mission is about people receiving inspiration from films and art so that they awaken to the significance of their lives on earth, rise in faith, encounter Christ and go on to live Godly lives. What mission could be more important than that?
But, part of the work is navigating through a world full of obstacles which try to deny us the time and resources to accomplish the mission. When we take on outside jobs, such as the one Mark and Donna have taken at Taylor Research, we do so with the prayer that it will fit in and contribute to our vision, rather than compete with it.
Effective, meaningful art requires sustained periods of thought, prayer, searching for inspiration, and experimentation followed by long hours of highly skilled labor. So, taking an outside job does interrupt the flow of art.
We understand that it has gotten harder to donate, but that you still want to give. Other streams of income can be employed to sustain the ministries you believe in. By building a new stream of income in the Turners' Shaklee business you can support us both through business and renewed donations. Click here to go to their business web site: http://healthinthejungle.myshaklee.com .

No More Small Thinking

2010-08-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

The world does not need anymore small thinking. The challenges before us are all big and we all need to think bigger to meet them. If you are thinking "How will we survive?", fine. (Room for doubt) Now enlarge your thinking to "How will our survival help someone else thrive?" (Expectation of succeeding) If you are thinking "How can I help 10 other people?", good. Now enlarge your mission to help 100 people, 1,000 people, . . . and keep growing in God's strength.
We have been meditating on Psalm 18 which is full of metaphors about doing superhuman, implausible feats. As we apply these metaphors to our lives, we move ahead to meet the challenges and find God performs through us what we viewed as impossible. Small thinking keeps us from becoming all that we are made to be.
A business leader of ours, Gary Burke, says, "If you don't go after it, you'll never get it. If you don't step forward, you'll always stay in the same place. If you don't ask, the answer will always be 'no' ". Jesus says, "Keep asking and it shall be given to you; keep seeking and you shall find; keep knocking and the door shall be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)
We're running with you.
Love,

Mark and Donna Turner
September, 2010

LUVmovie Gets New Lease on Life

2010-07-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

When we released the film "Everybody knows how to spell LUV" in 2003 we were thinking like Internet geeks before the Internet was ready. Today we take for granted the ease of conversation through social media. This film was designed to generate conversation, but back then, conversation was not as easy to get.

Paul and Sharon Maley put in stunning performances in our indie film released in 2003. View a clip at http://tinyurl.com/LUVflick

New Era for LUV
So, we're bringing the film out again with the aid of Facebook. There is a good clip of the film posted there. Visit the film Facebook page by typing the film title in the search box, or just click this short address: http://tinyurl.com/LUVmovie.
Click the "Like" button at the top of the page to be part of the new audience and to encourage others to join the conversation. Being on the "Like" list puts you in the loop for new discussion topics, announcements and related events.
Get the DVD
We have just upgraded the products page on our web site to make it super easy to buy the DVD. You'll be glad to see it is now half price! Just click here http://www.horizongate.org/products/, scroll down to the film and click "Buy Now".
Still the Same Great Film
The film is still a great performance by Paul and Sharon Maley condensing the twists & turns, humor and pathos from first grade through college and into adult careers all in less than an hour! Simply put, it is an altogether engaging journey which thousands more will be glad to discover.
Help Build the New Audience
Please help spread the word! Tell them to go to the Facebook page, or to the products page of our web site and click "Buy Now".

Art Shows In Two Exhibitions

2010-07-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

Mark Turner has been showing five of his paintings and one photograph at exhibitions. Three of his paintings appeared at the "Art-Jazz-Poetry" evening, July 23, held annually by the Arts Council of St. Paul's Cathedral, downtown San Diego.

Storm to Calm by Mark Turner
acrylic, 45.5 x 22.75"

Two other paintings and a photograph are hanging in St. Paul's Cathedral for the month of August for a juried show called "Images of Peace on Earth". The show commemorates the 65th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Composition from Twigs
by Mark Turner
acrylic, 20.25" x 16"

The Cathedral is open during day time as well as at service times for all who want to see the show. It is located in San Diego's Banker's Hill area on the corner of 5th Avenue and Nutmeg St., next to Balboa Park. For more info call the church office: (619) 298-7261.

Film Gets Political Drawings

2010-07-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

Early in the "To the Diggers" film we will see flashes of political campaigns. So, Mark has been collecting and studying photos of politicians pressing flesh in the crowds and waving from motorcades.

Detail of a political campaign drawing for "To the Diggers" film by Mark Turner

The poetic words underlying this section are as follows:

"We regard as wisdom
Bright reflections, pixels,
Bites of sound repeated;
Arranging body and face
Choreographed in a timely place,
Makes powerful and great."

The drawings made from these studies will form a fast cutting montage. The images you see here are details from the larger, colored pencil drawings which will enjoy a second life exhibited along side the completed film. Other work on the film has included enlarging images to emphasize individual

A detail of a political motorcade drawing by Mark Turner.

pixels. I have made 17 of these "swatches" and will use them as colorful flashes over other images.
The next set of drawings will be from studies of TV News Pundits, news sets and TV equipment.
To follow the progress on this film and see more drawings subscribe to the blog Artingle.

What is the Value?

2010-07-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

Donna and I are asking "What is the value?" more often.
Everyone is concentrating a little harder these days to be sure we get the most value for each of the fewer dollars in our keeping. We also ask "What is the value of my work? Will it pay the bills?"
The inspiring vision which once motivated a person's life mission has the tendency to fade in the urgency of paying some bill. It's not that the vision and mission isn't still valid, but we just have to postpone it, to put it off until there is time, or until "we can afford it."
In "good times" it is easier to affirm the value of beauty, generosity, art, spirituality, faith. However, it is when things get tight that we must affirm the value of those intangibles. In hard times we need the inspiration of art, poetry, beauty and spiritual direction to carry on in faith that God will make a way where there is no way.
If ever there is a time to help sustain the "intangible" ministry of Horizon Gate, it is now when so many need the courage, hope and faith promoted by our art and films. Just the act of giving a little to these ministries is an act in defiance of the slave masters which would steal your vision away.
We pray that our faithfulness to the heavenly vision will inspire courage in your soul to hold on to your mission in life.

Love,

Mark and Donna Turner
August, 2010

Art Film Takes Form

2010-07-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

Before Mark could proceed to create the drawings for the film "To the Diggers" he had to script it.

Click this frame to see Mark explain that "To the Diggers" is film 2 of 4 slated for exhibition in a special gallery/cafe next Spring.

Mapping the Journey
This film will be pretty complex even though it will be short. Before picking up the art materials Mark had to type out a script to make himself think through all the visuals and timing. Spinning off of a completed sound track (it was part of a podcast) is a big help because the visuals can extend the poetic images and sound effects.

A composite of a photo and a drawing for the film "To the Diggers" by Mark Turner. See http://artingle.blogspot.com for more.

This is like an animation in that we have to know the split seconds for each sequence. With the script all thought out Mark won't have to pause much to think up a visual the whole trip, just draw and draw and draw . . .
And folks, you are gonna love all these drawings going by.

"To the Diggers" Generates Interest, Gains Backers

2010-07-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

Our campaign to fund the short art film "To the Diggers", has been viewed over 2,219 times in the last 3 weeks. That's over 100 visits per day! Referral icons on the site have been clicked by viewers 59 times inviting others to take a look. These statistics indicate there is significant interest in our project.
Interest In the Good We Could Do
This level of interest is not surprising when you consider the potential for good: art films and the art used to make them exhibited in a place where they stimulate conversations which draw people to God; where artists, filmmakers, gallery and café workers form community around the mission. Please click http://www.indiegogo.com/To-the-Diggers to review the mission.
Creative Incentives for Giving
People have donated both on the campaign site and off line totaling, as of this

Detail of painting for film 3: "The Gateway" about imagination in prayer

writing, $640. We have until July 10th to reach our goal of $7,000. At our rate of visits to the site we could still reach our goal if you and your friends will choose from contribution levels as low as $1. If we do reach our goal by the 10th, IndieGoGo.com will donate an additional 5% of the total.
We Can Reach the Goal
So, please visit http://www.indiegogo.com/To-the-Diggers. Get everyone you know on the Internet to go there and choose a level of contribution. There are some nice rewards on each level of giving including copies of our films signed by the artists, personalized poetry recordings, original art and your name in the film credits.
Pray for the campaign to gather people as well as dollars to support this ministry.

Watch this Film Being Produced

2010-05-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

You can look over Mark's shoulder as he creates our next art film, "To the Diggers". He is posting reports and pictures from the production on his blog http://artingle.blogspot.com . The first installment is up and you can even comment on what you see. Imagine that: an artist lets you watch and comment as he works! Don't miss this opportunity.
Pieces of It Could Be Yours!
Those who participate in this way will be first in line to get special mementos of this new artistic piece. It is being composed of many drawings suitable for framing with an intriguing mix of spoken word, rhythms and sound effects. Be sure to subscribe to the blog so you won't miss any installments.

Film Collection to Inspire Conversations

2010-05-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Film Gallery Collection is the first wave of a campaign to inspire lots of people. We are producing four art films which will be the core of a growing collection to be exhibited in a film-gallery-café. This is our dream of people sitting among the films and the art used to make them being inspired to have life changing conversations.
Each Film Builds to the Next
The first phase was the art film, "Comforting Hovers", which is produced and released. The remaining three are at various stages of development. Each film is another phase building to the final and fifth phase: the premiere of the collection in a pilot venue testing our film-gallery-café concept.

"Diggers" to Make Noise
We are now in the second phase of the campaign, "Film 2: 'To the Diggers'". Like "Comforting Hovers" this film merges physical artwork with digital treatment, spoken word with music and sound effects, all in a motion graphics presentation which inspires the viewers to talk about the philosophical and spiritual aspects of life. But, it will be more boisterous and aggressive than "Comforting Hovers". Based upon a poem Mark wrote in 2006, "To the Diggers" employs images and noises from current affairs. It is about the temporary nature of public image and marketing in the flow of history.
Party Soon and Premiere Next Spring
We plan to have a release party late summer/early fall to celebrate the completion of "To the Diggers". When the whole collection of films is completed the premiere of the films will be a pilot event to test the new exhibition idea, the "film-gallery-café". The projected time of the pilot event is Spring, 2011. This test event will teach us about opening a permanent venue where art films and the artwork used to make them stimulate significant conversations encouraging people on their journeys toward God. Until then each finished film will help build the support base which will make the premiere a big success and launch development of the "film-gallery-café".

The Power To Be Christ Extended

2010-05-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated Pentecost Sunday, the empowerment of Jesus' followers to go into all the world as Christ extended. You can not think of Christ without observing the engagement of the spiritual with the material. Jesus said it was necessary for him to ascend to the Father so that the Holy Spirit would come.
"But, why not just stay? We don't need the Holy Spirit; we have you, Jesus."
What he MEANT was: the Holy Spirit was to come so we would be him in multiplied numbers, rather than just one to whom everyone clung without the slightest thought that they would ever speak, act or be like him.
Christ treated material things as servants and vehicles of the spiritual. The Holy Spirit came to empower us to do the same, to open eyes, heal the sick, multiply the bread and fish, turn water into wine, release the prisoners, calm storms and, when appropriate, walk on water.
What were we thinking? Of course, you are right, Oh Lord. Yes, come Holy Spirit. We have hung back fearfully from the needs of the world, from the blindness, the lame, the sick, the prisoners, the hungry, the storms and from those who need us to walk on water. Come, Holy Spirit, transform us into Christ extending into the world with creation power.

Yours,

Mark and Donna Turner
June, 2010

Bless Mother with a Card from Artingle

2010-05-03T15:17:00.001-07:00

This is one of several beautiful images for your Mothers Day cards
which are available at Mark Turner's online shop "Artingle".
Click on the image to go there.

Four beautiful cards to bless the mothers in your life are available at Mark Turner's new online shop "Artingle". These are the first of a large collection of cards which Mark is publishing to encourage quality, personal communication between friends and family.
The visuals are carefully selected for their inspiration and ability to evoke spiritual contemplation. Available both in large and small sizes, they are blank cards so you can write your own personal message inside. To further personalize them you are sent the digital file of the card by e-mail which you then print yourself as many times as you like on 8 ½ x 11 sheets. One is arranged to be folded once for a greeting card. Another is arranged to be folded twice for a note card.
The selection includes a black and white drawing of a bouquet backed by a pastoral landscape which you can personalize by hand coloring in your own style. Beautiful, impressionistic roses adorn two others and the fourth features a peaceful photo of lotuses in a pond.
You can visit the Artingle shop at http://artingle.etsy.com . Your purchases support the Turners' ministry and extend it into the lives of your own circles.

Mothers Day Is Our Chance

2010-05-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

Mothers Day is everyone's chance to think of the model of giving and generosity God has built into motherhood. Not every woman wants that image thrust upon her, but they find surprising resources within to meet the huge challenge. Both man and woman are made to be generous, even though we often feel we can not live up to it. God provides the way and strengthens us to do it.
Sometimes it feels so impossible that we actually pray. Why pray? The challenges of life and prayer exist to show us the presence of God. Viewing troubles as opportunities, rather than hell on earth, raises us to our intended status as creators, problem solvers and stewards of this world. Impossibilities prompt prayer in order to prove we are not lone, independent agents, fending for ourselves: God made us to enjoy the fellowship of working with Him. The benefits are found in freely opening to receive God's solutions by asking.

God bless the image of Himself in mothers.

Yours,

Mark and Donna Turner
May, 2010

Getting What You Want

2010-05-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

The quandry: "...but, if I give it to HIM, what about ME?"

We value what meets our needs, hopes and dreams. In this is a key to building relationships and wholesome communities. People are drawn to those who discern and deliver what they need. We would tend to draw toward each other more if we all discerned and delivered what each other needed. Thanking one another might become more common. As needs were met, more of us would be able to turn to higher things than just getting our needs met.
More often most of us focus on what WE need and strive to get it for ourselves. If you devote all your time and energy to discerning and delivering what OTHERS want, you never have time to get your OWN . . . right? But, don't we prefer to patronize businesses which are oriented around the customer? Customer oriented businesses prosper better than self-centered companies. Movies that appeal to the audience are the most popular. It better serves ourselves to serve others. Not only do we get more customers, but it feels better all around.
Jesus said it: "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt to you in return." (Luke 6:38)
An artist would apply this principal by delivering the beauty, insight, inspiration that the audience is seeking, rather than indulging only in "self expression". Self expression can be fulfilled by giving what is needed. The writer consciously chooses to write the screenplay thinking of the audience, trusting that he/she will receive their own needs if they deliver the audience's needs. This will help create a work of long lasting value.
But none of us can deliver anything without ultimately receiving it from God Who knows all our needs and delivers. Can we trust God to provide what the others need us to deliver? This should be the artist's prayer.

New Video Spreads the Vision

2010-03-27T00:21:00.000-07:00

We have produced a video launching our "Shine Your Light" campaign to support the artists. Thank God for artists. Without them most of us would not be inspired to rise up and do the good we can do. The Horizon Gate artists have been inspiring us for over 40 years. Right now they are preparing a hand full of art films for an exhibition coming soon and you can participate in many ways listed in this video. Lets get a lot of great things done together and let our light shine!

"Shine Your Light" Campaign Is On!

2010-03-26T23:57:00.000-07:00

The way things go sometimes it just seems like we're a gray sea of people, each wrapped up in our own necessities. Thank God for the artists of Horizon Gate who, for over 40 years, have been shining their lights into the crowd, showing the way of hope, aiding people in coming to God.
Most do not realize the role of artists in the world, but without them most of us would not be inspired to rise up to good deeds such as feeding the poor, or digging people out of the ruins of an earthquake.
"Shine Your Light" is a campaign to keep our artists' lights burning so they will continue to provide the inspiration and godly message as they have for so long.
Horizon Gate provides the covering and structure needed for artists to collaborate and produce the art films now in process toward a significant exhibition later this year. Right now we urgently need you to help supply funding, support work and word-of-mouth promotion. Join the effort in the following ways:

1. Contribute financially in one of these levels
Script Level - one time gifts of $100 or more
Storyboard Level - a pledge of $25 per month
Lights Level - a pledge of $50 per month
Camera Level - a pledge of $100 per month
Premier Level - pledge of $200 or more per month

OUR FIRST GOAL - $3,000 BY MONDAY, MARCH 29TH

Be among the first 30 people who launch our campaign by sending $100, or more. Go to www.horizongate.org and click on the "Donate" button to give through PayPal. Regular mail to P.O.Box 2186, Julian, CA 92036, is gratefully accepted as well. (Make checks out to Horizon Gate Productions.)

2. Collaborate with us as artists, or support workers: call 760-765-3884, e-mail info@horizongate.org, or message us on Horizon Gate's Facebook wall http://artist.to/horizongate

3. Be a client, or business builder in our artists' personal businesses. Links to all the businesses are found at our new landing page http://artsgate.info

4. Spread the word about Horizon Gate and this campaign by sending links for our video to friends and family, forwarding this e-mail, and recommending our web sites and blogs to others. Artsgate.info is a convenient way to get people to all our links and buttons.

Use Our Landing Page to Go Everywhere

2010-03-26T23:51:00.000-07:00

It is easier to find all our web sites. Artsgate.info is a landing page which we are using as the portal to the vision and support vehicles of Horizon Gate artists. You can click on links to web sites, Facebook pages, blogs, and Twitter. When we add another site, we will add it to Artsgate.info. You will also find videos, and you can tell others to use the buttons there to get this newsletter and to donate.

"Glow In the Crowd"

2010-03-04T11:47:00.000-08:00

"Glow In the Crowd" by Mark Turner

Christ said, "Let your light so shine before people so that they will see your good works and praise (worship) the Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

We offer enlarged prints of inspirational images illustrating spiritual truth signed by the artist, Mark Turner, and suitable for framing, as a "thank you" for your donation to sustain the artists engaged by our arts organization.

See all images at Mark's blog "Artingle" .

A 9"x14" print of "Glow In the Crowd" is available as a thank you for a donation of $35 or more.

To donate and receive your thank you gift reply to this e-mail stating your donation. We will send you a reply with a link to PayPal and send your print within approximately ten days of your donation.

Get Out and Mix

2010-03-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

Many of us Christians live with an underlying sense of responsibility to "recruit for Christ".
Such an obligation is something different than what Christ calls us to. We are being formed into the radiance of Christ, into his image, as children of God. As we conduct our lives in the world the Family resemblance is manifested in the way we work, play, relate to others, in the things we make and say, in the conversations we have and the care we give. Sometimes we are verbally specific about the truth of Christ, but always we are "little Christs" (the meaning of "Christian"), the presence of Christ which is redemptive wherever we go.
A major delay in the world coming to God is that many of the little Christs, don't get out much, feeling more comfortable keeping to themselves and their regular routines. But God has put a light in us which yearns to radiate; not to promote, or sell itself, but to simply be its beautiful self and, in so being, to beautify those around it by its radiance.
This is why Christ said, "Let your light so shine before people so that they will see your good works and praise (worship) the Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Look at the next post listing ways you can get out and mix.

Ways You Can Get Out and Mix

2010-03-03T15:02:00.000-08:00

Never before in history has there been a time when so many ways were offered to get around. Even from your kitchen, or an obscure Starbucks table you can send the light of Christ around the globe. Here are a few ways we do it. Following each item are actions you can take to participate.
1. E-mail: Even this is getting a little archaic! But, friends, associates and family can be blessed by the words, pictures, audio and video which can be sent for far less than the price of a postage stamp. Go to our homepage , scroll to the bottom and sign up to receive your free copies of our e-newsletter. When you get your copy each month use the links provided to forward it to others with encouragement to subscribe too. Consider more creative uses of your own e-mails.
2. Social Networking: Facebook, MySpace, Plaxo, Linked-in, and many other sites facilitate building existing and new relationships. You can even create such a site yourself designed for a specific type of interest group to gather in. Whether for fellowship, voluntary activities, marketing, or professional networking, these sites help connect people who in the past would never have found each other. Through our presence on Facebook alone Horizon Gate is regularly addressing potentially over fifty-thousand people. When you sign up for Facebook you immediately gain the capacity to bless and influence many more people. Become a "fan" on Horizon Gate's Facebook page by clicking here - http://artist.to/horizongate/ . Start your own Facebook page and build your own network.
3. Blogs: Here you can present your thoughts and inspirations in countless genres from recipes to Bible studies, in pictures, video, audio and text. You can be all verbal, all pictorial, or both. You can promote, or comment on others' presentations elsewhere on the web. What you post on a blog remains available to the whole world 24/7 until you decide to remove it. In ten years, whether you are on earth, or gone to heaven, someone could be blessed and drawn to God by what you post. And these are but a few possibilities to shine your light world wide, for free through blogging. Make comments on Horizon Gate's blogs - HorizonGate - SayLetThereBe
Visit other blogs and write comments mentioning Horizon Gate providing a link to our blog and web site. This motivates others to visit ours.
4. Online Businesses: You could have a web site where people with special needs can find solutions produced, or represented by you. Ebay.com, CraigsList.org and Etsy.com are examples to explore. Through business you could shine the light into people's lives, whether or not they are in your immediate village. We have had accounts on Ebay and CraigsList. The Turners are planning a shop on Etsy.com besides their business through www.GraceProceeds.com . Become a participant in iGive.com , a free service through which over 700 well-known businesses donate to Horizon Gate a percentage of the cost of your online purchases. Click here to join free of charge:

Browse and send others to the Turners' business site, GraceProceeds.com where their ministry is extended through business that helps support their presence in Horizon Gate.
5. All of the Above: Combine these and other avenues to reinforce one another. For example our audio programs on BlogTalkRadio.com are posted on the "Say Let There Be" blog and are also available as text articles which give links to businesses and the Horizon Gate ministries. These find new people and build relationships which increase our light shining in wider and wider circles. Visit, listen to our programs and leave comments on our page at blogtalkradio.com .
For a much fuller experience where you can read along and see illustrations listen and leave comments on our "Say Let There Be" blog.
Someone in your friends and associates and in each of their circles needs some blessing that contact with Horizon Gate could bring. Help them connect with us through the ways listed here. The light of Christ will reach through you as far as you allow it to shine.

Choosing the Next Art Film Script

2010-02-02T16:48:00.000-08:00

Because of the interest of two possible venues in our "Film-Gallery-Café" idea, we are encouraged to begin reviewing several screenplays which have been on hold.
Our vision is that the production process itself, this Spring and Summer, will help form a circle of collaborators which will nurture one another toward greater productivity.
We hope that this fall we will be able to premiere one to three new films in a setting which combines the qualities of a home theater, an art gallery, and a café.
We are concentrating on short films using physical visual art accompanied by rich soundtracks. These films would be shown in the same gallery as the art used to make them.
Among the scripts being considered are
"The Gateway" using a painting and poem about using your imagination in prayer,
"Here On the Stone" exploring Lazarus' point of view of dying and being resurrected,
and
"Beautify Oh" using photo montages to amplify a poetic prayer for beauty.
We want the films to be conversation pieces and to encourage viewers to talk about the truth being presented. We trust God to draw people closer to Himself through these films and conversations.

Generosity Is Critical For Survival

2010-02-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

Grace to you.
Blessings, whether you deserve it or not!
In the current hard circumstances more people are discovering they need grace . . . and more are extending it.
A business extending grace to its customers, receives the grace of retaining those customers both through the lean years and returning in better times. Generosity is critical for survival. Give and you shall receive. Giving can be an opportunity to acknowledge it all comes from God. The same humility makes one able to receive.
As we feel the pinch of this economy, let it create compassion for many who are desperate and panicking. Horizon Gate is endeavoring to extend grace by sharing what we are learning about business, financial health and how the Holy Spirit uses them.
Our "Say, 'Let there be . . .'" audio programs promote financial practices which will help the listeners recover the abundance which overflows to the needs around them including to ministries like
Horizon Gate.

In the Grace of Christ,

Mark and Donna Turner

Being God's Instrument

2010-02-02T16:31:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday sermon reminded us of three aspects to our mission.

Our Weakness is God's Opportunity
(Jeremiah 1:4-10) Jeremiah resisted God's call because he felt unqualified to be the Prophet of God. We are constantly aware of our weaknesses and flaws. Sometimes people around us point these out. Our confidence has to fight to stay on top long enough to get something done. But, as He told Jeremiah, God is with us, telling us where to go and what to say in the grand plan to renovate the world. Our weakness is the perfect place for God's power to fill the gap (I Corinthians 12:9-10).

Produce Like Christ
(Luke 4:16-30) Jesus told his home town that he was the embodiment of the prophets' message. But, when he did not fit their expectations, they tried to do away with him. Our word and deed (scripts, speaking, teaching, films, art) must be extensions of Christ, expressing the Truth in Love. Though we go about this as the image of Christ, we will not always be accepted.

Love is the Bottom Line
(I Corinthians 13:1-4) The Apostle Paul points out that all our films and art are validated only by their service to Love. Our films and art, as well as the way we produce them and exhibit them, must be motivated and guided by a kind of Love which is the fruit of God's Spirit born in us.

These three aspects are realized only in a close relationship with God, a state that only God can make possible through Christ and that only we can choose.

Why Make Programs About Money and Business?

2010-02-02T16:25:00.000-08:00

Now there are 5 installments of the "Say 'Let there be . . .'" talks online for you to listen to and read along. Program five explores ways to find money that you may not have been aware were accessible to you.
Why present content like this? Because your vision needs resources in order to become a concrete mission. We would be remiss as a ministry if we did not assist in raising everyone's awareness of the principles needed in a new, harder economy. The series is all about realizing the vision God has given you. It is spoken from our 40 year experience as well as the lessons we are learning right now. You know people who need to hear these entry level talks about vision and mission. Send them to our blog where they can focus on these principles.

Looking for Filmmaker-Artists

2010-01-12T13:51:00.000-08:00

Creating a group of filmmaker-artists
to build the Community of Believers

The pilot program of "the Production Gathering" is in planning meetings with the following points projected:

program conducted June - August, 2010
premiere event for films produced in the program - early fall
producing art which makes significant conversations
a mutual help group mentoring each other
exploring new ways to fund your art
building a network of long-term relationships
including selected younger filmmaker-artists
gaining the support of the whole group and their circles of influence

Looking for Staff, Applicants and Sponsors

STAFF

--- To brainstorm, promote, manage and facilitate

THREE CATEGORIES OF APPLICANTS

--- Producers with a short art film to make

under 10 minutes
incorporates original visual arts from a non-film medium
incorporates original soundscape production
can be linear story, abstract, or a mix of both
appropriate for general audiences (children, adults, marketable to a wide spectrum, promoting positive values, avoiding preaching or controversy)
retain ownership of film (non-exclusive rights to Horizon Gate, premiere proceeds split between venue, Horizon Gate and producer)
Invited to bring 2 associates along

--- Production Team Members

those wanting to work on others' films
developing your craft, or an aspect of it
building your network of relationships for future gigs
visual artists, musicians and performers welcome

---Exhibitor

those wanting to develop as art and film exhibitors
gallery knowledge
cafe knowledge
Internet marketing knowledge
publicists and promoters
will help prepare and hang physical art used in making the films
will help plan and execute initial promotions and premiere event

Images from 2009 for 2010

2010-01-07T21:03:00.000-08:00

On our journey of 2009 God emphasized the following images from past events forming His People. We have witnessed parallels in our personal lives. We carry these images into 2010 for our courage, comfort and reminding.

lamp image by Infrogmation

the lamp and olive tree (Zechariah 4) - God's ceaseless supply of His Spirit to accomplish what He has commissioned us to do

Signed prints of the following two compositions by Mark Turner are available for purchase, an excellent way to contemplate and be reminded of the truths they represent while supporting Horizon Gate.

Peter walking on the water (Matt. 14:22-32) - We can do the "impossible" as Jesus calls us on. (print sizes: 9x14, or 12x18)

Peter sinking and being rescued (Matt. 14:30-31) - God rescues his disciples even when we fail and does not abandon us to the consequences of our zeal (print sizes: 8x14, or 10x18)

Purchasing the two prints
These images are available in the two sizes shown for $25 (small) and $35 (large), plus tax (CA residents), handling and shipping. To purchase, e-mail info (at) horizongate.org specifying which image you desire and the size. We will send you a link to PayPal and send you the print upon payment.

Imagine the pictures depicting our other images of faith:

the large catch of fish (John 21:1-14) -Our work is made holy and productive because Jesus commands it.

Jesus fixes breakfast (John 21:9-12 ) - God will care for the needs of his faithful followers

Jesus divides up 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed 5 thousand (John 6) - Bring to God what you have regardless if it seems sufficient and God will make it enough.

God makes the path through the Red Sea (Exodus 14), God makes a path through the Jordan River into Promised Land (Joshua 3) - Do not be intimidated by seemingly impossible barriers. With God all things are possible. "For nothing will be impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)

Greetings from 2010

2010-01-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

Look what God has done and know more is to come. Though we may have wondered how we would make it through 2009, here we are in 2010.

Let this blog article be evidence that God has sustained Horizon Gate and the Turners through the challenges of another year. Thank you for your prayers, faith and contributions through which you participated in God's provision.

Many times in 2009 we have looked at our end, the limits to our capacity materially, emotionally, spiritually. Seeing our end cleanses our hearts and balances our perspective as we re-discover "God beyond". How do we press on in the face of the world's opposition? By knowing we are connected beyond our end to the One beholden to no one, nor to our circumstances. Though circumstances appear to hold little hope, expectations, or vision, our connection with "God beyond" gives us confidence to take initiative. Part of growing in Christ is to frequently re-establish that anchor in God rather than in circumstances where it tends to gravitate. Though it seems unreasonable and audacious, we focus on the Source of solutions rather than the problems.

This is the insight we recently gained from the prophetic imagery in Zechariah 4. The picture of oil lamps (us) on a stand with a reservoir tapped into two olive trees feeding a ceaseless supply of oil (God's Spirit) to keep the lamps lit. The prophet wraps up the image with God's pronouncement, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit." All our resources for life and accomplishments are not from our own finite capacities, but from God Who is abundant and generous.

We urge everyone to uproot from your challenges and put roots deep in Christ expecting God's real guidance and provision. This change from self-sufficiency to union with God will open your eyes to paths and resources you could not access in your own capacities alone. In this partnership with God we are whole.

In God's ceaseless supply,

Mark and Donna Turner

Plans In the Works for Pilot Program

2010-01-07T20:46:00.000-08:00

We are holding meetings with sponsors and people interested in leading the first Production Gathering. If plans and people proceed as expected, we hope to conduct the program in the summer/early fall of this year.

The program will take applications from promising, early filmmaker/artists as well as from experienced producers. It will include weekly meetings over three months for mutual mentoring and to produce several short art films. The culminating event will premiere the films in a gallery setting. Spread the word among your artist friends. Give people our contact info to watch for further developments.

Bringing Your Vision Into the World

2010-01-07T20:35:00.000-08:00

Our audio series "Say 'Let There Be"" was inaugurated last Fall and four programs are now available on the blog of the same name.
www.saylettherebe.blogspot.com
Tracing how a vision is realized, Mark Turner discusses various stages starting from knowing oneself and working outward into the concrete world. Program four deals with the practical aspect of cash flow management. Program five will address the aspects of simplicity, outsourcing and debt elimination. You can read the text, view illustrations and listen to the audio programs all on the blog. Catch up on the first four programs to be ready for the fifth one coming soon.

Christmas Film: "Comforting Hovers"

2009-12-15T15:50:00.000-08:00

Our film "Comforting Hovers" has been an inspiration and source of contemplation for many people. See what it will do for your perception of Christmas. We offer it with hope you will be renewed and comforted. Any ads, or offers of other videos are from Veoh, not us.

Please give your comments below. Thank you.

Notes on the Storm

2009-11-29T12:57:00.000-08:00

Today we watch the first snowfall of the season. How lightly it floats down, belying the violent hail storm that just passed. Thank God for the break in the drought and the shelter He gives in the storm.
In another sense, we really are in a scary storm. The screaming wind and violent waves threaten to kill us. On top of that we are called to walk right upon those crashing waters.
Lord, save us!
We pass this reminder along: God does not hold our fears and doubts against us. When Peter challenged Jesus walking on the water, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water," Jesus did not reprimand him for skepticism, or presumption. He simply said "Come!"
After Peter actually walked on the water, then was intimidated by the storm and sank, Jesus did not say,
"Go on and drown. I gave you a chance and you doubted. It's your own fault. You shouldn't have tried the impossible!"
No. Instead of the "every-man-for-himself" attitude, Jesus shot his hand forward and caught Peter. And he was not berating Peter with his statement "Oh you little faith . . ." Jesus used this as a teachable moment to comment on the kind of faith Peter had right then as he helped him into the boat and caused the storm to cease. (Matthew 14:22-33)
As the financial storm rages around us we panic and sink over and over. Jesus has to be there to catch us each time,or we will drown alone. Even among well-meaning friends we often feel alone in the storm because everyone seems powerless and no one knows what to do.
We must habitually react by crying out like Peter, "Lord, save me!"
In whatever form it comes we grab the hand extended, pull up and get our footing again, walking with Jesus on the water.
Will you consider being part of Jesus' extended hand to us as we fight the waves on the mission to which Christ calls us?

Yours on the water,

Mark and Donna Turner

3 Programs Now On-line In the "Say Let There Be" Series

2009-11-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

Three new audio programs hosted by Mark Turner are now up and playing to the world 24/7. The "Say Let There Be" series addresses the challenge of each person discovering their vision and walking it out as their mission in the concrete world. All programs are available to listen to and read with illustrations on the "Say Let There Be" blog (click here).
They also appear on Blogtalkradio.com/Horizon-Gate, and in the podcast section of the iTunes store. Download the programs to your iPod.

Program one calls you to do what God, the Creator originally did, drawing attention to the image of God in human beings which creates what was not there before. Using the vision of Horizon Gate as an example Mark begins to help us get over what keeps us from accomplishing our dreams, and to even accelerate our progress.

Program two explores the steps of creation that happen both inside and as you bring your vision out to the world. You get to participate by drawing a cartoon of the process.

Program three helps you describe your vision as a tangible project including seven key components to make your project both successful and spark the next project.

Watch for programs coming soon which cover eye-opening concepts of cash flow management, smart economizing, debt elimination, wealth building, and aspects of growing your own business. All of this is aimed at increasing the capacity of our community to minister to the needs of the world.

Whether you think you need this content, or not, you do know someone who needs it. Send them to the blog. Listen, read and get others to subscribe (for free) to "Say Let There Be."

Church and Missions Leaders Affirm Our Vision, Seek Further Connection

2009-11-29T12:19:00.000-08:00

Over the last few months we have been meeting and dialoguing with church and missions leaders who affirm our vision and invite us to collaborate with them.

With one large, historic San Diego church we are developing a proposal for a program to mentor filmmakers and produce several short art films. This would test some of the components of our three-part vision (see our homepage) which includes The Production Gathering and the Film-Gallery-Café.

Missionaries in Mali want to explore a project in which we would coach a successful Bombara theater troupe in adapting their plays to film.

A missionary to Mozambique is asking if we are available to help create videos to present the ministry they have in the business arena of that country.

We need more supporters to back us financially so that we can say confidently to these opportunities, "Yes, we are ready and able."

We invite you to help us nurture filmmakers, create new films in Mali, and produce videos for Mozambique. Click on the Donate button at our homepage and make your contribution through Pay Pal right now.

"Say 'Let There Be . . .'" Audio & Blog Premiere

2009-11-05T21:44:00.000-08:00

Our new audio series entitled “Say 'Let There Be . . .'” is now being released program by program. The introductory program is titled “The Call to Action”. In 14 minutes it introduces the series by calling you to find and bring your vision into the material world as a concrete mission.
The series bears the name which is the essence of our discussion over the next 10 or more episodes. It is calling you to do what God, the Creator originally did, to bring into being what was not there. The words "Let there be" are some of the first words of the Bible and represent the expression which God made to begin all that we know as reality. In this series we are drawing attention to the image of God in human beings, the likeness of God in us which empowers us to create what was not there before.
The introductory program can be played on our new Say “Let There Be . . .” blog devoted to the series. Click here to listen and browse the blog. http://saylettherebe.blogspot.com
The episodes planned cover a range of topics from both the current lessons being learned and 40 years life experiences of Mark and Donna Turner. Episodes will include 1. Call to Action; 2.Finding Your Vision; 3.Describe Your Vision as a Project; 4.Money Management; 5.Simplifying, Outsourcing, Debt; 6.Types of Income; 7.Your Own Business; 8.Building Your Team; 9.Expanding Your Business Right; 10.Partnering with God to Execute the Plan.

Minds Dwell On These Things

2009-11-05T21:34:00.000-08:00

We are reviving our disciplines of creating productive “mental environments” (attitudes). This consists of disciplining our minds to celebrate all the good that we have had and are experiencing, to remind ourselves of all the good God has done through all of history and our lives. We acknowledge all our wonderful accomplishments and gain confidence that we can do even more. Reaffirming the good liberates our thinking so we are able to create with God solutions to many problems.

Surrounding us is a world which insists on being what it calls “realistic” . What the systems of this world and those loyal to them mean by “realistic” is to keep your mind on your job, pay your bills, keep the money flowing to the creditors. They emphasize the bad things happening around the world and keep the majority of humanity focused on difficulties, mistakes and problems. Remembering the good, looking for the redemptive, and just being happy to have hope is all considered self-deluding and pitiful. Not hip.

Horizon Gate is about counteracting the forces that enslave people's minds like that. Our vision is to make beauty and show it in such a way that opens eyes and breaks bondage. We are not about just helping people get comfortable in their prison cells. Because of our perspective we find opposition and unbelief. We encounter hardships because of devoting our time and energies to this unconventional mission and some people feel sorry for us.

But, we call you to a higher vision. Rather than just feeling sorry for the troubles, please, by praying for the good to happen and being a participant in the solutions, help us keep looking up and being faithful to the heavenly vision.

First of Three Vision Components

2009-10-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

We have been promoting our three-part vision: the Production Gathering, the Film-Gallery-Café, and Funding by Financial Health. What would a “production gathering” be like?

Think of a retreat in which participants are provided with an array of helps, programmed and free form, to refresh their perspective on life, inspire them to accomplish their dreams and spark new ideas. Focus that kind of a retreat to the needs of practicing artists with a select few younger, promising artists.

This would not just be a vacation, but a working retreat in which the artists are selected to fill positions in a film production, the center around which the retreat is organized. Experienced professionals would work for pay and agree to mentor the tuition paying younger artists who have been invited based on their portfolio and application. Scholarships would be available. The younger artists would be challenged to rise to the working professional level.

The retreat aspect of the event would strive to remove negative pressure that is common to commercial productions and to promote a freedom of creativity. Hosted in a place close to nature, intense periods of shooting, performance and post production, would be interspersed with enrichment times. These would include live musicians entertaining during meal breaks and evenings, inspirational presentations from specialists in related fields, and recreational facilities. Room and board would be provided with ample staffing to attend to each individual's needs.

The number and type of residents, as well as the length of time scheduled, would vary depending on the demands of the given screenplay. Short films using a wide variety of art forms would be the preferred project. As each phase of production progresses every artist would be involved either as observer, or as worker, the whole group traveling together to the finished product.

By the time of celebrating the final product each resident will have experienced renewal, enlightened perspective on their career and craft, and formed special bonds with other artists. The gathering will have profound effect on the artists and their creations for the rest of their lives. The films produced at the gatherings will have a life at film festivals, distribution avenues and at Horizon Gate's Film-Gallery-Café.

Horizon Gate Flowchart: a Snapshot of Our Soul

2009-09-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

The arrows in this flowchart show that our vision is to draw us all into a nurturing community. People hear about our mission through presentations (top), or get to know us through our art (bottom). We educate one another in our individual areas of knowledge including the arts, writing, filmmaking, spiritual growth, and financial health.

The growing Horizon Gate Community rallies together in the "Production Gathering" to make films. These artistic statements are experienced in many ways such as our "Film-Gallery-Café", film festivals, and on-line distribution.

Our prayer is that these films will draw many to God and that our artistic community will provide them fellowship, personal growth, and fulfilling work.

Increased Seekers Expected for Christmas, Make Plans for Them Now

2009-07-28T21:45:00.000-07:00

This year more people than usual will be ready to remember the Truth in Christmas. Now is the time to get ready for increased numbers of people looking for more than consumer goods as the reason for the season. It takes care and planning well in advance to provide the rich and meaningful experience people will be looking for in Christmas '09.

We have the tools and the plan to lead people on the path to renewed insight and faith this year.

People will rally around our script for a great, intergenerational play. They will grow individually and as a community by working together and presenting the story to the larger community of family and friends.

Our “Word Show” workshop kicks off the experience by helping the group discover the joy of story telling. The workshop opens the inner workings of the script. It gets the group on their feet using new tricks to bring out the meaning of the story. By the end of the workshop your team will be ready to continue the fun through the process of preparing the story for the Christmas season.

Mark and Donna Turner personally apply their 40 years experience (apiece) in stage and film to guide the Word Show workshop weekend. But they do not just leave the team to fend for themselves after that. They remain available by phone to answer questions and coach the leadership through the whole process.

By the time the play has been presented the cast and crew will have grown personally and corporately in new appreciation of the advent message. The audience will be illuminated by the story and by the change in those who tell it.

A discount is offered of up to 45% on day, or day-and-evening Word Show sessions if booked by September 1.

Call 760-765-3884 now to learn how you can bring this wonderful experience to your community, or e-mail your inquiries to markanddonna@horizongate.org.

Play Capsulizes Age of Misinformation and Greed

2009-07-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

Mark Turner wrote a play in 1990 which still addresses today's issues 20 years later.

In “The Lost Kids Spy Christmas” the old crook, Ananiah, has a nice gig going with a gang of kids to shoplift and some sly stooges to cash the merchandise. He is growing “the baby”, as they say, an ironic reference to his dearest thing in the advent season, his horde of cash, not the Christ Child. His conspiracy to obscure Christmas from the street kids is not that far off from today's realities.

He is staunch in defending his nest egg even when the pressure of police and double-crossing crooks bring him to the brink. It is his gang of street kids who get to his heart when they beg him to help save a real baby entrusted to them. When he joins the children in the rescue he recalls the choices he made as a kid.

Even though it is not “fair” and you could say it is too sappy to be “real”, he repents. He lets himself give away his fake baby of greed, admit who the real baby of Christmas is and escapes his just deserts. It's--not--fair!

These days the pressure is mounting and we tend to get that hording attitude which guards the little wealth we manage to keep. We think of revenge on the crooks that are getting away with millions. But here is a story about grace that extends even to the worst of us.

And that's why we are talking about Christmas in July. It is time to prepare to extend grace to an undeserving world in elaborate displays of love by producing this play in your communities. We have the script, music and sound effects along with our personal consultation ready to help you provide this act of love in your home town.

Call 760-765-3884, or e-mail markanddonna@horizongate.org to get started.

"Word Show" to Kick Off Productions

2009-07-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Our Word Show workshop is an excellent way to pull your group together and lay a strong foundation for your production of Mark Turner's play “The Lost Kids Spy Christmas”. Mark and Donna Turner come to your group and personally help dissect the play, learn what makes it a good story and show you how to tell it effectively.

Using the tools of playwrights, actors and directors, you identify key building blocks of the story. You discover what makes the characters tick. In longer workshops you play theater games to build story telling skills. Through Word Show everyone involved in your play gains the insight needed to do their best in the ensemble for the most meaningful presentation of the story.

The audience gains so much more when this kind of preparation backs up your performances.

The workshop can be limited to 2 hours, fill a day or take an evening and a day. It establishes exercises and disciplines which carry on through the rehearsal schedule and the Turners remain accessible for coaching by phone.

Word Show is a valuable way to approach any of the many script packages we offer. The “Lost Kids” script package comes complete with music and sound effects CD's.

To book a Word Show workshop contact markanddonn@horizongate.org , or call 760-765-3884

News from the Turners

2009-07-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

We have been meeting lots of new people and expanding our concepts of ministry.

Through attending seminars, voracious reading and personal coaching our financial education has been accelerated to meet the economic crisis effecting Horizon Gate and our constituency. The shape of the economy has forced us out of industrial age thinking and fully into the information age. In this age it is what you know that is most valuable, not social, or professional position and not material possessions.

We can see the creativity of business and its capacity to carry ministry to the masses. We are learning more skills in using the tools of the Internet, telephone and video to reach higher numbers of people. The size of our vision is larger because we can see a viable business structure and multiple streams of potential income to make it possible.

As Jesus was focused on his mission and built the community which would carry it out, we are reaching out to new groups of people more aggressively and with renewed conviction. New relationships with artists have resulted from exhibiting at concerts and conventions, as well as increasing conversations about individual financial challenges. Our vision is to develop the community of artists and arts supporters to be the ministering body of Horizon Gate.

New ideas are forming which will both increase material support for artists and get their work out ministering to the masses. We are in the process of creating a series of short audio programs based on the “Realize Your Vision!” webinar. These will be broadcast on blogtalkradio.com. Keep an eye out for a unique business providing greeting cards you can print and do your own handwork on. We are writing more articles for Internet news. Video e-mails are now a part of our tool kit.

Developing people as members of Christ's Community is the focus of both the internal management and the public outreach of Horizon Gate products and services.

Walking by faith is essential to expansion. Faith opens our eyes to opportunities and needs when we may be more inclined to shut down operations, “economize” and guard the little we have. But the gut reaction to close down is not actually “self-protection” as much as resigning ourselves to death. In business a decline in revenue signals a need to increase communications and enter the places where others are not meeting the need. Certainly this is the call of Christ to us now and God is regenerating our imaginations to see the opportunities to generate life.

2009-06-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

If your dreams are postponed in favor of the dreams of the few at the top, you may have been too busy working for them to realize who you really are.

We are calling everyone to examine their souls and see themselves as God sees us: ". . . God's workmanship . . . created for good works." ( Ephesians 2:10) ". . . fellow workers with God . . ." ( I Corinth. 3:9 ). Horizon Gate is here to provide tools for you to be that.

We need to pause from the pressures of pleasing the world system long enough to see we have freedom to be all God made us to be and to set goals to accomplish our destinies beyond wages, jobs, bills, homeownership, cars, toys, and entertainment.

Christ proved and demonstrated with his life, death and resurrection that we are made, not to be under the thumbs of “a few at the top”, or even the threat of death, but to reach our highest potential.

What is your mission? Is anything keeping you from fulfilling the highest potential to which God calls you? Just pausing to think about these questions, deepens our dialogue with our Maker. It inspires us to step out, do and make things that liberate both us and those around us. Then the fun work starts to push away the drudgery of satisfying the world's demands.