We recently posted a call to artists for an enviable job creating 32 stained glass windows and a set of art niches for St Mary’s Chapel. Yesterday we learned that Kevin Christman won the bid for this amazing project, and we’re happy to announce that we’ll be following his progress here at Art Matters! Soon we will be welcoming Kevin and his agent, Julie O’Dwyer, to the directories at the Southern Oregon Artists Resource! Meanwhile, Ms. O’Dwyer is creating a blog where she will write about the progress of the project as it unfolds, and we’ll be sharing her posts here when it becomes available for syndication. This is what she tells us now:
Kevin was awarded the commission for all 32 windows and the sculptures for the niches of the new chapel. This chapel will be the first structure St. Mary’s has had that is devoted to worship and will be a keystone to their campus. The 32 windows will begin with 6 windows to be installed by the beginning of May, for a blessing by the Arch Bishop; followed by 12 more by the end of 2012. The remaining windows will begin as donors are announced. The sculptures are conceived as terra cotta bas relief sculptures that will depict the specified saints incorporated with patterns that relate to the stained glass imagery. One initial sculpture will be completed for viewing at St. Mary’s annual auction April 21 and additional ones will begin as donors come forward. Images will be posted on St. Mary’s website as the windows and sculptures are completed.
In addition to the production of the windows and sculptures, Kevin will be bringing groups of kids from St. Mary’s to his studio during the design and production phases of the project to educate them on the process and to see first hand the work of a professional artist.
And here is a little about the project from St Mary’s website:
Stained Glass Windows and Art Niches
The St. Mary’s Chapel Art Committee accepted bids for the stained glass windows and art niches that will adorn our beautiful Chapel set to be completed by June 2012. With 32 stained glass windows and 16 art niches, we scoured locally and nationally for talented artists. Our Art Committee selected local artist Kevin Christman to design and create the stained glass windows. We’re thrilled to work with Kevin and even more excited to see the beautiful creations he comes up with!
THANK YOU to our wonderful St. Mary’s Chapel Art Committee:
Sister Mary Pat Naumes, Chair
Mary Jo Baich
Vito Bizzanelli
Betsy Moore
Frank Phillips
Fr. Sean Weeks
Brian Westerhout
Desiree Wienand
