Showcasing Secondhand Religious Artifacts
Thrifted Religion is the first exhibition of this project, and specifically showcases the diversity of religious traditions in the Brazos Valley in Texas, based on objects found in local thrift stores and resale venues.
Taken together, these different elements of the Thrifted Religion exhibition present a broad visual story of what religion looks like within Aggieland. By observing the collection, visitors will see that while Christianity is the dominant religion practiced in this geography, the international community found around Texas A&M University brings together and gives rise to a cosmopolitan religiosphere that is often under-acknowledged.
The information shared and stories told through Thrifted Religion seek to generate a discussion on the implications of sacred waste, the relationship between religion and commercial culture, and the changing patterns of religious adherence and private practice in America and Texas.
The exhibit features diverse examples of religious material culture. This includes presenting findings from an 18-month ethnographic research study of four local thrift stores in Bryan-College Station, Texas, documenting the common religious objects, symbols, and ideas found in these shops.
Visitors can also learn more information about select items in the exhibit through this website. By clicking on the sections title– Finding, Making, Selling, Doing and Texas Religion to investigate these local religious identities and the significance of religious material culture in Texas.
This exhibition is sponsored by a Research Grant funded by the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA) at Texas A&M University.
BEGINS on September 3, 2024 and ENDS on September 29, 2024
J Wayne Stark Gallery, housed in 110 Memorial Student Center (first floor), on the campus of Texas A&M University. (See map below)
From devotional objects like prayer beads and icons to religious kitsch statues and t-shirts, the exhibit features one-of-a-kind and mass produced religious artifacts, including an eBook of TAMU student essays on select items, and a companion Online Exhibit Guide, found on this website, providing more details on the five sections of the exhibition.
Our exhibit is thoughtfully divided into five themed areas, each offering a distinct perspective on the role of religion in everyday life. Together, these themes invite visitors to engage with the multifaceted nature of religion from the perspective of religious material culture.
This theme explores the common forms of religious expressions, whether through personal journeys or cultural traditions.
This theme delves into the creation of religious artifacts and practices that shape spiritual expression.
This theme examines the commercialization and trade of religious goods, highlighting how faith intersects with commerce.
This theme focuses on the lived experiences of practicing faith, from rituals to community involvement.
This theme offers a deep dive into the unique religious landscape of Texas, showcasing the diverse beliefs and practices that define the state’s spiritual identity.
Religious items in this exhibition were sourced from the following locations:
Alice’s Attic-Twin City Mission , BCS Habitat ReStore, Cavitt Corner, Heart of Texas Goodwill Industries, Second Chance II, Ship Shop Resale, and St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
Goodwill Store, Second Chance Resale-Twin City Mission
Oasis-A Ministry of St Luke’s, Pots, Pans & More Thrift Resale Shop, ReStore-Habitat for Humanity-Polk County, Thrift ‘n Gifts Resale Shops
Nikki’s Resale Shop, Revival Center Resale Shop, Senior Citizens Resale Store
