First Presbyterian hosts exhibit of liturgical wall hangings
“In the presence of God’s people we will praise God’s name – through our creative gifts,” is the motto of the Wooster First Presbyterian Church Liturgical Arts Ministry, adapted from Psalm 116. The group displayed its collection of liturgical wall hangings at Symbols of Faith—An Exhibit of Spiritually Inspired Fabric Wall Hangings Feb. 26 and 27.
“Liturgical art is more than just prettying up the sanctuary,” said ministry member Connie Barnard. “We try to help people understand Scripture in new ways. It may be beautiful and inspiring but it may also be uncomfortable and make people think. We intentionally don’t put any words on the wall hangings, just visuals that people can contemplate and interpret in their own way.”
Barnard, a watercolorist, said her own interest in liturgical art began with the large, elaborate stained glass windows at First Presbyterian Church. “A former minister’s daughter taught me all about the symbols and colors used in the windows,” she said. Each color corresponds to particular Christian concepts and seasons of the church year.
First Presbyterian began creating wall hangings in 1998. The Liturgical Arts Ministry was formed in 2005 and currently has nine members who meet one morning a week to design and create new wall hangings to coordinate with seasons and events in the liturgical year. They are displayed on a rotating basis at the front of the sanctuary.
“We have people with various skills, including watercolorists, fabric dyers and quilters,” said Barnard. “Several in the group are professional artists.”
Working as a group on this type of project has its challenges. “It can be hard fitting it into our schedules, but we make it a priority,” said Sonja Tugend, a professional artist who creates hand-dyed fabrics and art quilts. Barnard said it can also be challenging for artists who are working alone to work with a large group, but it has been a good experience. “In the body of Christ we all come together to glorify God,” she said.
The congregation has been supportive and encouraging of the ministry’s efforts, and several of the wall hangings have turned into congregational projects. For one Easter wall hanging, titled We Are an Easter People, church members cut out and glued crosses into the shape of a big cross; for A Prismatic People, children and adults cut out strips of fabric and helped quilt the design.
The process of creating a liturgical wall hanging is involved. When a theme is first suggested, a Scripture is chosen and a visual image determined. Barnard usually draws a rough sketch and scale drawing of the design. The group then works together to select materials and techniques and bring the project to fruition.
One unique Advent wall hanging was created from 77-year-old faux stained glass windows purchased by a ministry member at the Freedlander’s auction. The pieces hang in a mobile-like fashion so they move with the air currents.
An Easter wall hanging was created from photographic background paper. Designs were cut out of the paper—“it’s like a giant Scherenschnitte,” said Barnard—then the whole thing was painted. Mounted on a swivel, it spins as people enter the sanctuary.
The process of creating a pair of Communion art hangings resulted in many of the group learning a new skill. Elaine Arnold suggested using penny rug techniques and taught the others to cut and applique circles of wool to create the folk art designs.
While some of the art hangings are intricately detailed with scenes from creation or the Christmas story, others are notable for their starkness. One Lenten hanging features three nails on a simple purple background. “It’s spectacular in its simplicity,” said Barnard. “But it makes some people uncomfortable.” And that, say these artists, is the point.
“Liturgical art is more than just prettying up the sanctuary,” said ministry member Connie Barnard. “We try to help people understand Scripture in new ways. It may be beautiful and inspiring but it may also be uncomfortable and make people think. We intentionally don’t put any words on the wall hangings, just visuals that people can contemplate and interpret in their own way.”
Barnard, a watercolorist, said her own interest in liturgical art began with the large, elaborate stained glass windows at First Presbyterian Church. “A former minister’s daughter taught me all about the symbols and colors used in the windows,” she said. Each color corresponds to particular Christian concepts and seasons of the church year.
First Presbyterian began creating wall hangings in 1998. The Liturgical Arts Ministry was formed in 2005 and currently has nine members who meet one morning a week to design and create new wall hangings to coordinate with seasons and events in the liturgical year. They are displayed on a rotating basis at the front of the sanctuary.
“We have people with various skills, including watercolorists, fabric dyers and quilters,” said Barnard. “Several in the group are professional artists.”
Working as a group on this type of project has its challenges. “It can be hard fitting it into our schedules, but we make it a priority,” said Sonja Tugend, a professional artist who creates hand-dyed fabrics and art quilts. Barnard said it can also be challenging for artists who are working alone to work with a large group, but it has been a good experience. “In the body of Christ we all come together to glorify God,” she said.
The congregation has been supportive and encouraging of the ministry’s efforts, and several of the wall hangings have turned into congregational projects. For one Easter wall hanging, titled We Are an Easter People, church members cut out and glued crosses into the shape of a big cross; for A Prismatic People, children and adults cut out strips of fabric and helped quilt the design.
The process of creating a liturgical wall hanging is involved. When a theme is first suggested, a Scripture is chosen and a visual image determined. Barnard usually draws a rough sketch and scale drawing of the design. The group then works together to select materials and techniques and bring the project to fruition.
One unique Advent wall hanging was created from 77-year-old faux stained glass windows purchased by a ministry member at the Freedlander’s auction. The pieces hang in a mobile-like fashion so they move with the air currents.
An Easter wall hanging was created from photographic background paper. Designs were cut out of the paper—“it’s like a giant Scherenschnitte,” said Barnard—then the whole thing was painted. Mounted on a swivel, it spins as people enter the sanctuary.
The process of creating a pair of Communion art hangings resulted in many of the group learning a new skill. Elaine Arnold suggested using penny rug techniques and taught the others to cut and applique circles of wool to create the folk art designs.
While some of the art hangings are intricately detailed with scenes from creation or the Christmas story, others are notable for their starkness. One Lenten hanging features three nails on a simple purple background. “It’s spectacular in its simplicity,” said Barnard. “But it makes some people uncomfortable.” And that, say these artists, is the point.
Published: March 1, 2011
