Art at KUMC
This web site features the art and architecture of Kirkwood United Methodist Church in Kirkwood Missouri. For more information about KUMC visit kirkwoodumc.org
Sculptures
Hope Encircled by Love & Faith
Don Pavelka
2009 Christ in Art Festival
This sculpture was designed specifically for a Christ in Art festival theme, “Where is Hope?”. Although the piece is comprised of three separate forms, the artist sees them as intertwined and dependent on each other. Each piece has a central color of glaze which is used in the adjoining forms to complete the encirclement.
Tryptich
Brother Mel Meyer, S.M.
1975 Christ in Art Festival
Fashioned like altar pieces of medieval artists with a central panel and folding doors on either side, the tryptich now hangs behind the altar of the Chapel of the Holy Trinity. It depicts symbols of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus: on the cross, the nails of his hand and feet, the ladder that assisted the setting of the cross, the sponge of vinegar on a stick, the spear that pierced his side and the dice with which the soldiers gambled for his robe. Over the crucifix is the monogram in Greek letters for “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
On either side of the crucified are the figures of mother Mary and John, the beloved disciple.The side panels depict Mary and Joseph.At the bottom of the piece are the figures of twelve apostles telling us that this represents the apostolic faith of Christ's Holy Church.The apostles bear witness to three events: the incarnation of the Son of God, the atoning sacrifice of Christ on Calvary; and the resurrection and triumph of the crucified One.The triune God is also suggested:God the Father's Gift, the Son's sacrifice, and the risen Lord's availability to all as Holy Spirit.
Loaves and Fishes
Randy Carrier
2009 Christ in Art Festival
The inspiration for this piece came from the theme, “Abundance”. He thought about the Bible story of Jesus multiplying the few loaves and fishes so that a large multitude could be fed. Randy decided to depict this in a symbolic visual form, using his metal smithing skills. This artwork won Best Interpretation of a Theme in the 2012 Christ in Art Festival, and also People’s Choice!
The Last Supper
Brother Mel Meyer, S.M.
Gift from Verneda and Randy Carrier
Splendor in Light
Larry Pogue
Purchase Prize Winner - 1989 Christ in Art Festival
This sculpture won the Purchase Prize in the 1989 KUMC Christ in Art Festival! Thestainless steel and brass abstract sculpture with electric light represents the manifestation of the Light of God in Christ to the gentile wise men and the subsequent acceptance of the Gospel by the non-Jewish gentiles of the Greco-Roman world.This is the theme of Epiphany, which begins on January 6 each year and stretches to the season of Lent.The circle of eternity is set within eight pointers to all directions of the compass.The coming of Christ is for all the world and has eternal significance.
The Risen King
Brother Mel Meyer, S.M.
Purchase Prize Winner - 1977 Christ in Art Festival
This Christus Victor, the conqueror of sin and death, sculpted in metal, portrays a very early theme of the atonement between God and humanity accomplished by the sacrificial death and victorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Unknown Title
Unknown Artist
Manisfestation
Brother Mel Meyer, S.M
Purchase Prize Winner - 1975 Christ in Art Festival
This sculpture was the purchase award winner of the Christ in Art Festival I. It commemorates the Christmas season and features a central fresco disk of mother and child surrounded by a sunburst halo with votive candles at the side.
Tribute
Don Pavelka
2009 Christ in Art Festival
The Crown & Flame emblem is a symbol know the world over. It is a powerful reminder of who and Whose we are as United Methodists. It relates the United Methodist Church to God through Christ (cross) and the Holy Spirit (flame). The flame is a reminder of Pentecost when witnesses were unified by the power of the Holy Spirit and saw “tongues, as of fire” (Acts 2:3). The emblem is also a reminder of a transforming moment in the life of John Wesley, founder of Methodism, when he sensed God's presence and felt his heart “strangely warmed”. The two tongues of a single flame may also represent the union of two denominations in 1968: The Methodist Church & Evangelical United Brethren Church.
This artwork is Don Pavelka's tribute to the Cross & Flame symbol that has provided him with instant recognition, meaning, and a sense of belonging, no matter where he might be in the world. His creative mosaic is comprised of many small glazed pieces of ceramic. Each piece is individual and colorful. Collectively, the Cross & Flame symbol emerges!