St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church has announced the opening of “The Art of Worship,” a photography exhibit featuring the work of parishioner and Sherborn resident Tia Dennis. This exhibit of black and white photographs is part of the church’s 50th anniversary celebration. The exhibit will run through January 15.
Dennis has no formal training in photography. However, her father, an avid amateur photographer, influenced her desire to use her camera to capture meaningful moments or natural elements that she finds interesting. “I don’t consider myself to be a photographer,” Dennis said. “My craft is woodworking, and as a furniture maker, I find myself frequently looking at photographs of furniture, architecture and design elements to inform my own design process.”
Participating in a photo exhibit may be new to her, but Dennis finds that this exhibit is in part a reflection of her love of woodworking and joinery. She chose to show the images in black and white because she believed such a contrast would challenge parishioners to look at familiar objects in a new way.
In describing the exhibit, which focuses on the church’s architecture, specifically the worship space, Dennis notes that “there are a myriad of hidden stories here—stories of the hands that crafted the space and stories of parishioners who helped make its creation possible through their generosity.”
“The Art of Worship” exhibit includes photographs of the altar and pulpit, which were designed and built by Jonathan Clowes, son of long-time Dover resident Peggy Clowes. Also featured are photos of the Fritz Noack organ and the post and beam truss system designed by architect Paul Minor and built by Ted Benson, master craftsman and timber framer. There are more than 30 photographs in this exhibit and Dennis hopes that people will take time to “view the images, ponder the straight lines, subtle curves, fall of light and play of shadows, and see God in the details.”
The St. Dunstan’s Art Committee has an active exhibit schedule. Recent shows include a sculpture exhibit by Rev. Lisbeth Hall, a long-time Dover resident; “Step Into Art,” which featured the paintings of middle school students from the Epiphany School in Boston; an oil painting exhibit showcasing the works of parishioners Jeanne and Brian Ensor; and “Cuba at a Crossroads-Portraits of a Recent Visit,” which featured the photographs of parishioner Chris Wood, who spent a week in Havana photographing street scenes.
The current exhibit is open to the public during church hours. Please call St. Dunstan’s at (508-785-0879) for more information.
