This Is Our City

And then there are the lists and genealogies. This fall, one artist deliberately chose a genealogy to illuminate. "I was very excited when he chose it," says Zempel. Roberts was too. "It's fun to see the artists who want a special challenge, who want the passages that others overlook."

Like many New Yorkers, Roberts and Zempel are transplants. Both moved from Wisconsin to pursue creative careers.

"What I like about New York is that most people are here chasing something," says Roberts. "There's a big energy here, people coming here and giving 100 percent."

Roberts and Zempel stress the importance of community. "It's really easy to be a loner as an artist," says Roberts. "[New York] is a tough place to live if you don't have a community." Jonathon and Zempel attribute much of their longevity in New York City to the many friends they have made in the community. Spark and Echo also provides that supportive community for artists and an opportunity to create work.

They offer a small honorarium for each work. "It's small, but it is a gesture that we really appreciate their work, and that we take them seriously as professionals," explains Emily. "I think it makes a big difference for those who want to be involved. It's a respect thing."

Further, they have partnered with civic organizations such as the Metropolitan Water Alliance, which works to promote access to clean water in the New York area. Spark and Echo has performed works related to water and the Bible during their annual City of Water Day on Governors Island. "We thought, let's try to partner with them and integrate the Bible and the arts naturally into public life in New York City," explains Roberts. "We reached out and they were very receptive," says Zempel.

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