This installation was a part of the new Harris and Harris organ project.  The two arches above the St. John’s altar needed to be opened for the organ pipes on this side of the sanctuary to breathe.  However, there was a desire to cover the shutters covering the organ pipes with a fresh piece of art that would speak to the continual growth and rebirth of Christ Church while at the same time respecting our Gothic architectural heritage.

Bloomer Studios in New Haven, CT was awarded the project and created a marvelous sculpture in Aluminum.  Here is how they described their concept:

“Our sculpture respects the proportions and rhythms of the architectural surroundings within the church. The design is reflective of the thorn of crowns, represented by the points of the leafed ornament. The pattern branches out and rises towards the heavens as wings, creating a contemporary language of Gothic Architecture and craft.

The ornamental wings will be hammered aluminum, which will leave a hand-hammered texture. These will be polished and chemically sealed to reflect the light of their surroundings. The grids and frames will be painted aluminum in resonance with the context of the interior of the church. The framework grid is reflective of the shapes commonly found in the stained glass of Gothic Architecture to better tie the design within its context.”

As we visit the sanctuary throughout the day, the light from the Ascension stained glass window projects a beautiful prism of color.  Each wing dances in the light and gives us endless ways to see the path to Heaven.

Rebecca Fretty