Sanctifying the Convention Hall through Art
How do you transform a 99,000 square foot convention
hall into a space for worship? That's the task ECVA and
the General Convention Worship Team had as we approached
the 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church 2003
at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis,
Minnesota. The convention
hall used for worship was an ample 300' by 350', and
would accommodate some 9,000 delegates.
ECVA's response to transform it on a limited budget was
to use projected images to create an atmosphere for
worship appropriate to the theme of each day's service.
In addition to the Feast of the Transfiguration (images
of transformation), the feast days of St. Ignatius and
Enmagabowh provided an opportunity to showcase Latino
and Native American art, and the convention's sub-themes
of Receive, Repent, Reconcile, and Restore provided
motifs for other days. This meant a higher visibility
for ECVA as well as lots of new members.
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View larger image |
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General Convention 2003 with Kathryn Carrington's Triptych
projected on the screen.
Photo courtesy of Episcopal News
Service |
The use of projected images that are not simply a
direct-feed video link of the service was a new
departure for General Convention, and we were very
excited about the possibilities, not only for the
transformation of the space, but for showcasing the work
of artists in the church.
Also provided
was a workshop on the Morning of Prayer with images of
reconciliation executed by participants and the Stations
of the Cross created by sculptor and ECVA member, Tom
Faulkner, presented in the chapel.
Eliza Linley and Mel Ahlborn
Co-Curators |
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The Visual Preludes were
projected during the worship service with the
accompaniment of live music. They are presented here
without music.
Day
1, July 30
"Gathering"
Day 2, July 31
"to the greater
glory of God"
Day 3, August 1
"Morning of Prayer"
Day 4, August 2
"Votive for Mission"
Day 5, August 3
"Meditation for
Communion"
Day 6, August 4
"Rebuild the Church"
Day 7, August 5
"Remembering"
Day 8, August 6
"Feast of the Transfiguration"
Day 9, August 7
"Sing a New Song"
Day10, August 8th
Reprise
of the visual preludes August 4th - August 7th |
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