Skip to content

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?

Oh strength of Wisdom
who circling, circled
enclosing all
in one life-giving path,
three wings you have:
one soars to the heights,
one distills its essence upon the earth,
and the third is everywhere.
Praise to you , as is fitting,
O Wisdom

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. 

Watch the culminating service here

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.

Emily O’Hara
Silver Labyrinth Design

Molly Foley
725 Fulton

Morgan von Prelle Pecelli
Lost Notebook

South Church

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.

THANK YOU!