St. Paul's Episcopal Church 3290 Loma Vista Rd, Ventura announces the installation of three new pieces of artwork commissioned expressly for their chapel. Ventura artist Lee Hodges was selected to execute the work, which is based on Scriptural texts pertaining to healing and comfort in Christ.
The artist will be present to talk about the artwork during the dedication in the morning service at St Paul's on Sunday, August 26, at 10:15 and the public is cordially invited to attend.
The three pieces are entitled, "A Very Present Help", "A Scene of Heaven" and "Healing Power". (See attached) The artist worked closely with the donor, Suzanne McFarland, making a work of art that would honor the memory of her mother, Mary Beth Bayles, who was comforted by the Wednesday morning healing services in the chapel conducted by Father Jerry Kahler. Says Suzanne, via e-mail from Texas, "We pray the artwork will be a blessing to our community there as well as honor our precious Mother who loved St. Paul's so very much...she always wanted others to experience joy, feel God's nurturing love and know they are not alone." Father Kahler calls the art pieces, " a medium of praise to God and a meditation on God's healing grace".
The contemporary mixed media artworks are each composed of acrylic paint, collaged papers, iridescent glass, and silvered plastics, making them shimmer, and draw light from across the sanctuary. They contain Biblical texts from Matthew, the book of Revelation, and the Psalms. They are designed specifically with the location of installation in mind, tying in the vibrant blues of the altar, and warm amber tones of the wooden pews, with the reflective elements echoing the existing beautiful stained glass, yet with a contemporary flavor.
For more information, call the church at 642-5033.
The public is also welcome to visit Lee Hodges' studio and gallery at 1560 E. Main St, Ventura, between Chrisman and McMillan. Telephone 805 302-3167. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5:00. More of her artwork can be seen at
www.LeeHodgesArt.com