Judith F. McManis

Commissioned by the Chaplain at The Taft School, Watertown, CT, for the occasion of his Ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests, this design was inspired by the Pentecost Dossal at St. John's, Waterbury, but needed to be resized/redesigned so as to not overwhelm the wearer. It is constructed entirely of Dupioni silks with fine gold and silver accents placed over each seam and extending the tips of the flames; the chasuble is of asymmetric design, reversed on the back. It is intended to be viewed most effectively when the wearer lifts arms in the 'orans' position while celebrating the Eucharist. The flames of the Holy Spirit then rise to almost engulf the hand – the hand that will bless and offer the bread and wine.

Although a native of the Midwest, it was when Ms. McManis moved in 1969 and became active in the Episcopal community that is St. John's, Waterbury, CT, that the liturgical artwork began. She taught high school Studio Art and Humanities for 36 years and during much of that time created unusual banners, vestments, altar hangings, and other visual inspirations for her church.

Beginning in the early 1990's, the scope of her ideas – and their products – began to enlarge and her favorite liturgical creations were done in heroic scale, much as her experience with the Holy Spirit had come to be. Perhaps this on-going interaction has driven her most passionate work, for it seems to flow, much like her designs, in huge floating ribbons - as if supported by the Mighty Wind, itself.

2001 brought retirement from teaching and another move – to Burlington, VT, and an association there with The Cathedral Church of St. Paul. She has completed several liturgical pieces for St. Paul's and established a post-teaching career in Liturgical Art.

The Holy Spirit is actively present in her life and she views much that she experiences with that in mind. The Spirit leads, it doesn't push, and the creative process always benefits from listening.

Judith F. McManis
email: mcmanis@surfglobal.net