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"Song of Seraphim"These four processional paintings on silk were commissioned for the Georgian Court University Dorothy Marron Chapel. The paintings are mounted on light weight poles and stand upright in heavy bases. The paintings offer color and flexibility in the university chapel, and help create a Liturgical environment in other gathering spaces on campus. Each processional piece is 10’ high by 4’ wide. I worked closely with Evelyn Saul Quinn for this project, and the story of the process follows the images. Georgian Court University |
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| Baccalaureate photo provided by client | |||||||||
 Photo in the Dorothy Marron Chapel at Georgian Court University |
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| Photo by Pierre Jaborska | |||||||||
Fine art and architecture is integral to the Georgian Court University campus, the former estate of the son of a railroad tycoon, and designated a National Historic Landmark. The newer modern Dorothy Marron Chapel was still in need of artwork and Liturgical color. The floor to ceiling wall of windows look out into a garden and arboretum. The client was looking for flowing Liturgical color without permanently obstructing the view of these cherished gardens. Original paintings on silk in a gonfalon format offered the solution, providing Liturgical color for the baccalaureate and graduation services as well. The pieces were designed with a creative interpretation of the Liturgical seasonal colors. Two pieces can be displayed for Advent and Lent (blues and violets), and two were designed for use during Christmas and Easter (golds and whites). When the drawing designs were submitted, Evelyn Saul Quinn responded with, “ABSOLUTELY breathtaking! I can only imagine what they look like in person! They speak of passion, love, life, and the overwhelming nature of God and faith! I am so excited to see this coming to life through your talent and commitment.” The designing process began with a tour of the historic campus. Stories of the inspiring missions and concerns of this Sisters of Mercy university were shared by Evelyn Saul Quinn, Vice President of Mission Integration. Subsequent conversations were enjoyed with other staff and committee members. Portfolio images and painting on silk samples, including a large piece, were presented. The client decided to commission something site specific for the chapel that could also be used around campus for special occasions. The project was funded by a memorial gift, and engraved plaques were created for the floor bases to honor family members of the donor. When the paintings were delivered, they needed to be transferred quickly between three locations for graduation ceremonies. Due to rain storms, a large clear plastic “rain coat” was also provided for the assembled processional paintings. That was a first. Evelyn Saul Quinn wrote of the pieces, “The work is absolutely magnificent. I had exceptionally high expectations but the reality exceeds the dream!” The four paintings offered a more intimate environment for the baccalaureate service, which was held in a former expansive polo court (now a gymnasium), and later spread out to offer color in the graduation ceremony. During the baccalaureate service the paintings were dedicated and blessed by Fr. Richard Rohr. Another blessing was to see the paintings “flown” into the service by the beloved students, thus continuing the integration of art and life on the Georgian Court University campus. |
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images on this site are copyrighted and property of Juanita Yoder.
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