The biennial festival is a nonprofit, interfaith organization, founded in 1995 by clergy, artists and community volunteers interested in expressions of spirituality in the arts. It has evolved to include a juried liturgical and sacred art exhibit, music celebrations of faith and sharing of religious traditions.

This year's festival will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., with an exhibit and presentation on textile use in faith traditions by Scott and Susan Day.

From 4 to 6 p.m. on May 5, a reception will be held for the gallery opening of the sacred art exhibit at the Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth Street. The exhibit will remain open through June 2. The opening reception will be followed by dinner at 6:15 p.m. at the art association's Edwards Place. (Dinner reservations are $25 each and must be made in advance by contacting .)

On Sunday, May 6, from noon to 3 p.m., an art exhibit featuring paintings of the Holy Land from the Sigmund Balka Collection from Hebrew Union College will be held at Temple B'rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St. That afternoon, an a capella concert by the Capital Chamber Singers will be held at 4 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church at the motherhouse of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, 4936 Laverna Road.

On Monday, May 7, at 7 p.m., a concert of spirituals, hymns and Gospel music by vocalist Paula Irby and saxophonist Archer Logan will be held at St. John's Lutheran Parish Life Center, 2477 W. Washington Street.

On Tuesday, May 8, activities at Westminster Presbyterian Church will include an exhibit of objects of devotion from 4:30-6:30 p.m.; reading and interpretation of Islamic poetry from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; and a closing common prayer service featuring holy words and music of many faith traditions at 7 p.m., followed by a reception in the parish hall.

Except for the May 5 catered dinner, all liturgical events are free to the public. For more information, visit the festival's website at www.LAFSpringfield.org.