Visual Arts
in the Episcopal Diocese of New York

Visual arts and artists are thriving in diverse ways throughout the diocese. Many parishes commission works of art - from the stations of the cross to outdoor sculptures. Others offer exhibit space or incorporate visual art into their worship and liturgy. These parishes, each in its unique way, encourage artists - young and old, amateur and professional - to explore their faith through their work.

At St. Gregory’s, Woodstock, the Rev. Charles Dupree has started an artists guild and uses his own skills to great effect for important services in St. Gregory’s nave. At Christ the King, Stone Ridge, the parish administrative assistant, Ferris Cook, also a published illustrator, is working on an icon for the church. Two bluestone sculptures by Greg Childers are also installed on the church grounds. Trinity, Manhattan, installed the two-ton bronze “Trinity Root” sculpture by artist Steve Tobin on September 11. Tobin’s piece was inspired by the exposed roots of the sycamore tree that fell behind St. Paul’s Chapel on September 11, 2001.

The diocese is also home to the largest chapter of the Episcopal Church & Visual Arts, whose mission is “to encourage artists, individuals, congregations, and scholars to engage the visual arts in the spiritual life of the church.” The New York chapter is hosting an exhibit at the General Theological Seminary from September 26 to October 28; many of the artists in these pages are represented in that show.

The Rev. Canon Tom Miller, Canon for Liturgy and the Arts at the Cathedral, says, “Artists help us to ask the difficult questions about the state of society and to illuminate the human spirit in need of formation and transformation. “