Visual Arts Show Goes To Church In 'Divine Intervention'

Christ Episcopal Church, one of Sag Harbor’s most historic houses of worship, will be hosting an exhibition of contemporary art this sumer. Titled “Divine Intervention,” the show brings together 34 artists from the East End and New York City and offers a blend of installations, paintings, photography, sculpture and artists books. This is the first contemporary visual art project that Christ Episcopal Church has welcomed into its sanctuary space.The exhibition opens with a reception on Saturday, June 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. Among the works on view will be “Jib Net,” Lisa Hein and Bob Seng’s site specific piece which is an ever-expanding webbed sail that embraces motion. The church’s vestibule and bell tower have great historical significance and artists Bastienne Schmidt and Almond Zigmund will transform the vestibule into a metaphorical point of entry using vinyl, threads and fabrics, color and pattern.

The sanctuary space contains a beautiful 1917 Tiffany window and will be flanked by the works of Drew Shiflett, Carole Seborovski and April Gornik. The paintings of Reynold Ruffins, Maureen McQuillan and Karen Arm complement the reflective light projected by the smaller stained glass windows throughout the sanctuary. Other places of contemplation and reflection in the church’s interior, such as the altar, corners, niches, arches and pews, will be sites for works of art.

“Divine Intervention” is a visual treasure hunt that celebrates and refreshes the church, long acknowledged as a place where community can gather. Also included in the exhibition are works by Amanda Church, Leah Guadagnoli, Theresa Hackett, Leo Holder, Dennis Hollingsworth, Erica-Lynn Huberty, Mary Jones, Christa Maiwald, Ray Manikowski, Diane Mayo, Nell Painter, Marilla Palmer, Liza Phillips, Bonnie Rychlak, Anne Seelbach, Alison Slon, John Torreano and Michelle Weinberg. Artists books on view are by Angela Britzman, Barbara Friedman, Elisabeth Condon, Janet Goleas, Stephen White and Jodi Panas.

Half of all sales of the artwork will go to the Community Cafe, a ministry to serve those in the Sag Harbor area who suffer from loneliness or hungry. The cafe will alleviate some of the food insecurity in the community where nearly 8 percent of residents don’t know where their next meal will come. Statistics show that East Hampton has the most people who are food insecure in Suffolk County.

“Our desire is to hold a free dinner, served with dignity, restaurant style, once a week for the community,” said Rev. Karen Ann Campbell, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, who is spearheading this initiative.

“Divine Intervention” runs Saturday, June 1 through Monday, September 2 at Christ Episcopal Church, 5 Hampton Street, Sag Harbor. Hours are Saturdays from 3 to 5 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment at other times by calling 631-725-0128 or 978-835-2672. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit christchurchshny.org.