St. toms - RFP for Artists

RFP for Artists

St. Toms is issuing a request for proposals for artists. Click on the link below for the information letter:

Basic information regarding the project (RFP)

Reflections to offer some guidance to artists

The primary piece and center of attraction and devotion will be a cross (not a crucifix which displays Jesus' body).

The cross is a symbol of both the "tree of defeat" and the "tree of victory" because it was both the means of his death, and the path to resurrection. Therefore it evokes in us both sorrow for what has occurred and anticipation of what is to come. The cross is also a source of unity & communion for all of us who await resurrection, something around which we all gather to offer support now as we anticipate the fulfillment of our hope.

The people gathered around the cross are all kinds of people and in all "stages of response" to this cross – grief, mourning, shame, loss; excitement, joy, love; awe, adoration. The people include those who are "crucified" – war victims, on crutches, tortured, hungry, fallen; but also those who are raised up, saved, enlivened, healed.

In those emotions they cling, clutch, embrace; they are close, approaching, and at a distance (fear to approach, awe!). The people around the cross are not only "bowed down" by their burdens, but also "lifted up" by the power of the Victory of the Cross.

The power of the cross has an "irony" to it, similar to the staff of Moses with the fiery serpent on the top – the fiery serpent is what bit the people and made them ill; it was also the image they ad to gaze at in order to be healed.

The photos of a Good Friday celebration at our church give some sense and model that inspires our desire for this commission.

Drawing of north wall dimensions

Text for the Stations of the Cross