| | | |  | | | Annunciation
(From an installation of 12 canvases)
By Caroline Brown
Mixed media on paper and canvas | | | | The General Theological Seminary (GTS) in New York hosted an exhibition of works by members of the New York Chapter of ECVA this past fall. Founded in 1817, GTS was the Episcopal Church’s first seminary and is one of the oldest institutions in Chelsea – a neighborhood that in recent years has seen a phenomenal influx of art galleries and exhibition spaces. At the opening reception on October 6, the lobby of GTS resembled opening night at a New York City art gallery as patrons of ECVA came out to honor its first “hard copy” exhibition entitled The Vision Glorious.
At the reception, GTS Dean Ward B. Ewing said in his opening remarks, “GTS has a growing commitment to theology and the arts. As in all the public events we host, the Seminary seeks to establish new connections to the world and city around us. We are a place where theology and matters of faith most often take the form of words. In this exhibition, through line, shape, and color, spiritual associations are made that touch the heart directly and powerfully. We welcome this beautiful exhibition and thank those who made it possible.”
The exhibition ran from September 26 through October 28 with artists exhibiting in a variety of mediums including: painting, drawing, digital art, photography, pottery, icons, mixed media, and vestments. Artists Chris Anderson, Melanie Barnett Wright, Caroline Brown, Simon Carr, Victor Challenor, Peggy Elting, Tom Faulkner, Moses Hoskins, Jesse Koskey, Beth Mahaffey, Mary Melikian, John Moody, Ellen Francis Poisson, Robin Rule, Amy Real Coultas, Krystyna Sanderson, Don Skinner, Philippa Turner, Hal Weiner, and Paul Woodrum were represented. | | |  | | | GTS Dean Ward B. Ewing welcomes the NY ECVA exhibit at the seminary. | | | | | The New York Chapter was ECVA’s first chapter. For several years, New York ECVA artists have been gathering in local churches like St. James’ Church, hosted by former ECVA co-chair Tom Faulkner; Grace Church, hosted by ECVA co-chair Krystyna Sanderson; Church of the Good Shepherd, Roosevelt Island, hosted by Christopher Calderhead;
and St. Luke’s Greenwich Village, hosted by Simon Carr; as well as at The General Theological Seminary, hosted by Caroline Brown. Caroline, a painter whose work was included in this show and who provided major help and inspiration in organizing the exhibition stated, “The ECVA exhibit gave the seminary a chance to experience faith in a visual context, transforming the lobby and uplifting our spirits. Because the work was so diverse – from traditional icons to realistic photographs to abstract paintings – there was opportunity to discuss art and theology in ways unfamiliar to many seminarians. | | | | |  | | | Tom Faulkner discusses his series of six photographic prints with artist Philippa Turner (center) and a friend. | It was thrilling to see the art in its original size and to appreciate its textures and materials in this first exhibition of original works by New York Chapter artists. And to bring together in this atmosphere artists and seminarians, clergy and laity – people who love art and God.
Krystyna Sanderson
Chair of the ECVA New York Chapter
Email: krystynaphotography@att.net | |
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