South Church Artists in Residence (AiR)
a public art installation and community weaving by Cazimi
Project Gallery
What did we do?
In partnership with the community of South Church, we made two pieces in creative response to the chant O Virtus Sapientiae (Oh Strength of Wisdom) by 12th century composer Hildegard von Bingen. The first piece was a large-scale temporary public art installation surrounding the inlaid stone labyrinth in the northeastern part of the church yard. The second piece was a sound weaving of the chant as sung by South Church Musician in Residence, Jessica McCormack.
Why did we do it?
For us, the creative process is a spiritual experience. It allows us to key into something vaster and more mysterious than we can fathom, and then serve as channels for its expression through the art that we produce. In the process we find healing, wonder, and unexpected new perspectives on life. By sharing our process and the resulting artworks with the community of South Church, we hoped to create moments of contemplation, catalyze conversations, and enhance the spiritual connectedness community members feel for each other.
How did we do it?
Over labor day weekend, with fiber, metal, and up-cycled materials, we created three elements that invited contemplative movement in and around the stone labyrinth in the northeastern part of the church yard. We also included reflective prompts based on the chant, O Virtus Sapientiae, that we hoped supported the exploration of the interconnection between our embodied selves, inner and outer worlds, and the concept of “as above, so below”.
Additionally, throughout the fall in the sanctuary, using yarn and up-cycled fabric strips, we created a sound weaving of the sound pattern of O Virtus Sapientiae as chanted by Musician in Residence, Jessica McCormack.
Activities
Public Art Construction
September 3 – 5, 2022
Weaving Activation
November 13, 2022
Join us
There is a long history of women gathering to weave, knit, stitch and support one another. These gatherings are generative in the sharing of strength, wisdom and community.
You are invited into this creative space and into connection.
Fabricate your own creative response.
Share it on Instagram @cazimi.collab #OhVirtus.
Who are we?
We are three local artists, long-time residents, and active members of the Andover community.
We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the South Church community, a community that welcomes all and actively nurtures connections within and beyond their walls that bring meaning and joy in spiritual growth, fellowship, and service.
How can you get involved?
We are seeking financial support for this project from partners like you within the Andover community.
$25 donation
A 4″x6″ postcard of the work
$75 donation
A 1″x1″ magic square and a 4″x6″ postcard of the work
$125 donation
A 3″x4″ mixed media piece reflective of the installation, a 4″x6″ postcard of the work and inclusion in any signage or press release
$250 donation
A roughly 12″x12″ weaving, a 4″x6″ postcard of the work and inclusion in any signage or press release
$500 donation
A 12″x12″ mixed media piece reflective of the installation, a 4″x6″ postcard of the work and inclusion in any signage or press release
You can also send a check, payable to South Church with the memo notation “Cazimi Artists in Residence” to 41 Central Street, Andover, MA 01810.
As a 501c3 nonprofit, all donation s made to the South Church for Cazimi’s Artist in Residence tenure are tax deductible. Please consult your tax adviser.