Visual Arts and Liturgy
2004 New York, New York
2005 | 2004
Convener 2005
Carol Frenning (liturgical design consultant)
Seminar Participants 2005
Mark Joseph Costello, Katherine Kapikian, D. Foy Christopherson, Carol Frenning, Jim Moudry, Jim Notebaart
Seminar Report 2005
Louisville is noted as one of the leading places in our country for the design and production of innovative architectural glass installations, an area whose size belies the rich milieu of glass artists, technicians, and university connections which support production of work commissioned from around the world. Many award-winning examples of Louisville artists’ work are found in places of worship. Because of the proximity of the artists and their studios, our seminar chose to focus on issues surrounding the use of stained glass in churches while we were in Louisville. Our seminar time began with presentations by a panel of stained glass artists: Kenneth F. von Roenn, Jr., Guy Kemper, and Don Markert. Each presented works of their own addressing issues of the use of imagery and the use of non-objective glass solely for its light qualities. This initial presentation was followed by site visits to experience in situ a number of local installations, historic and contemporary.
The following day began with studio tours of stained glass and glass blowing artists. Focusing on technical aspects, we were able to observe traditional techniques of glass arts and learn about newer technologies. Recent technical developments and techniques in the art of glass making and fabrication are opening up new avenues of expression. They can impact the liturgical environment in potentially different ways than did the use of glass in the past. Having an opportunity to discuss these developments with leading practitioners of the glass arts will enrich our designs of future worship spaces.
The rest of our seminar time focused on the more theoretical and historic aspects of our topic. Seminar members presented on the historic use of stained glass in churches from medieval to present. Of particular note was Mark Joseph Costello’s presentation on mid-twentieth century glass associated with churches of artistic renown. A lively discussion ensued around the advantages and disadvantages of commissioning artists and/or architects who are known primarily for their aesthetics with little or no liturgical understanding vis-à-vis those primarily known for their church work. The question of liturgical and aesthetic merit of a worship space is one central to our work. All members present are actively involved with the design of worship spaces and all felt that the combination of practical and theoretical explorations of stained glass will have an immediately applicable impact in our work.
Our final presentation was on seminar member D. Foy Christopherson’s newly published book, A Place of Encounter: Renewing Worship Spaces.
We concluded with the selection of our topic for next year’s seminar. We will consider a variety of issues clustered around the Place of the Word for our 2006 seminar.