Desert Palm UCC’s newly Commissioned Minister of Music and the Arts, Marc Gaston, is a nominee/one of the finalists for the Mayor's 2023 Arts Awards (October 12th at 6PM at the Phoenix Center of the Arts) in the Community Innovator category.
Marc was the first person commissioned by a local congregation after the SW Conference delegated that power to the local church!
He’s also the Artistic/Executive Director of the Phoenix Gay Men's Chorus.
Gaston's legacy includes groundbreaking projects like "Mosaic of Voices," which merges LGBTQ+ narratives into choral compositions and art, fostering inclusivity and meaningful connections. Beyond the arts, Gaston's cross-sector partnerships champion diversity and acceptance, bridging communities.
In the words of the nomination, "Marc Gaston's innovative spirit lies not only in creating novel artistic experiences but also in redefining the role of a choral ensemble within the community. His visionary leadership, manifested through pioneering collaborations and artistic reinventions, has positioned the Phoenix Gay Men's Chorus at the forefront of innovation in both the arts and society."
“We’re lucky to have him.” –Rev. Tom Martinez, Desert Palm UCC