The members of the Stained Glass Committee have been actively researching all aspects of stained glass. There are many details to consider such as painted glass versus stained glass for faces. The committee met with Kate Campbell, Director of Congregational Outreach and Liturgical Arts, and John Peters, Artist and Instructor at Augustana College. John has photographed thousands of windows in churches of many different denominations and many businesses. The objective of our meeting was to view some of the photographs he had taken and to get a better understanding of the style of art we are looking for. We also learned more about the flow of colors and the effect that is created when the sun shines through the windows. We discussed different artists in the area and churches we could visit to see their work up close.
We are considering installing the stained glass in two stages and completing the windows in the Nave first. There are a couple reasons for this. The cost for the total project will run $150,000+. Currently $50,000 has generously been donated. We will need time to have fundraisers to complete the project. Also the artist will need time to create the images we request. The process of creating an image goes through many stages and is a time-consuming process. The images that are chosen and the artist that is hired will determine the length of time the project will take. We do not want to rush through this project. These windows will be permanent fixtures in our church and will be viewed by many generations to come. We are striving to do the best job we can.
We do not know an exact time-frame for completion of all the window but the whole project will take over one year. Possible themes for the windows are being researched and discussed as well as how to incorporate images of the life of St. Katharine Drexel. There is a general consensus that we want our parishioners to be able to look at the stained glass and understand the meaning of the presentation in window. We are looking at traditional images that are very clear and concise rather than abstract. Theme suggestions will be brought to the Worship Committees for review.
Several artists have been contacted to see if they have an interest in our project. These artists have come to us from several sources, including suggestions from parishioners and recommendations from other churches in our diocese. The committee has been meeting with these artists on site to review our proposal. The artists have been sharing with us their stained glass work experience, portfolios, résumés, references and level of skill. Also being reviewed is their level of experience and if they can produce painted glass. We also wanted to find out if the artist are able to install the completed windows and that they have the proper insurance coverage. A few artists have said the project is too big for them to handle and have withdrawn from the selection process. Our goal is to be able to bring forward the top candidates for the Worship Committee and Steering Committee in a few months.
There is still a lot of work ahead of us and we are looking forward to some day enjoying the beauty of stained glass windows at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church. Please pray for wisdom.
