Social media can be a strong source for good – keeping people connected. But it can also be an addictive source of distraction, said artist Anthony Santella.

Sometimes it is hard to know which you are participating in at any time, he said. That was the inspiration for Mr. Santella artwork of a wooden woman holding a real iPhone.

Mr. Santella was one of 27 artists displaying their work at the eighth exhibit of the Openings Collective titled #OccupyCommonGround. Openings is a Paulist outreach to artists in New York City directed by Father Frank Sabatte, CSP. Art buffs got the chance to not only experience the myriad of works displayed at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan, but to meet the artists themselves during the Sept. 18 exhibit launch.

One set of paintings is styled after the 15th-century Dutch masters while, across the church, people gathered in small groups to watch an animated video. Visitors got to chat up the artists and delve deeper into the inspiration for their work as dancers moved with graceful elegance throughout the crowd, adding performance art to the mix.

Dancer Ashley D’Amboise was excited to perform in the church, whose worship space had been transformed to an art gallery.

“This is a holy space and there is a certain level of respect and homage that is expected,” she said, “but as a dancer, it is also your playground. It is very unexpected to have this space become something else.”

Artist Amy Hill’s series of four portraits reflects the 15th-century Flemmish style with a modern twist by replacing jewelry and other accessories with iPods, phones and cameras.

#OccupyCommonGround is one of the strongest Openings shows, according to Father Sabatte.

“The art is very solid and very diverse: painting, sculpture, collage, drawing, video and dance,” he said, smiling as he watched the artists and participants mingle.

The crowd was as diverse as the art, but there was an overwhelming number of 20- and 30-somethings on the scene.

“That speaks volumes,” said Father Sabatte. “People who would never otherwise darken the door of a church are here tonight. You can’t have conversion unless you have conversation. And this brings about conversation.”

One of those engaging in conversation with other attendees was Christian McLaren, a self-described non-practicing Catholic who came at the invitation of a friend.

“I like that this was allowed to happen here, to open up the space and use it to invite more people in,” he said. “Being here lets you see things in a different way. I just want to say ‘thank you.’”