Reformation_Artwork on the Altar_Knitted Willows by the Banksy Truck

Next in the series of moi-meme with the willows by Banksy truck. We need as much art as possible in this world, people! Sing a song, write a poem, knit something, talk with your neighbor.

As with most days/weeks/pick-your-frame-of-time in Manhattan, things are alway happening here in our fair city (pardon me while I state the obvious ; – )  Some of the happenings in my own personal corner of NYC (defined in the most non-linear of ways) this past week involved:

– TROTTING OUT MY KNITTED WILLOWS (the batches are growing – perhaps making like bunnies… and why shouldn’t they? For, indeed (dear Murgatroyd) they ARE a symbol of spring/growing/Easter in some cultures. Is it significant in yours? Let me know, leave a comment. I’m truly curious about this.

– SHAMELESSLY GRABBING A PHOTO-OP (with said willows) in front of the BANKSY TRUCK that has been making the rounds in our wee little town (ok, not so wee, but events such as art-making foster a connection that seems to make it seem of a size more manageable).  For more on the month-long residency of this artist in NYC, check out his BanksyNY site. One of the works documented there is located across the street from Knitty City (see? full circle on the knitting thing and girl’s gotta get in a plug for some classes she’s teaching on stitch exploration and how to knit off the regular plane of things). There are many opinions being bandied about when people talk of Banksy. The thing I find most vital and (hopefully) lasting about such conversation is the creation of MORE ART. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: WHEN PEOPLE ARE BUSY CREATING, THEY AREN’T BUSY DESTROYING… yeah, one could argue that some creation involves some destruction, but go with me on this one and EMBRACE THE POWER OF MAKING SOMETHING. It truly is a restorative and Re-Formative endeavor!  Revolutionaries Welcome! Speaking of Martin Luther (were we?) …

Artists from the Gustavus Adolphus community were invited to adorn the church with art. These physical pieces added to the dance, song, discussion, etc. that made the Reformation Sunday one to remember. There was even a direct descendent of Martin Luther in the congregation. Who knew!?

– singing at a church that I find to be a wonderful and refreshing place. I’m speaking, of course, of the spirit of the people there… but also, the lovely acoustic is nothing at which to sneeze – however, if you DID sneeze at it, that sneeze would sound, oh, so lovely! You see, Gustavus Adolphus Church was designed by the same architect who designed the “Old” (no longer in existence) Metropolitan Opera building.  [History of the church with additional link to NYTimes article about its construction.] Located within a stone’s throw of Gramercy Park and a stone-and-a-half’s throw from The Players.

One of the fantastic and innovative things going on at this church is their invitation to various artists in their midst to bring the art into and onto the altar. This past Sunday was Reformation Sunday. The service involved dancing by the vicar, singing by many of us (and all of us), children’s artwork decorating the sanctuary, an art historical discussion of various representations of Christ being taken down from the cross (and the relationship of the influence of the church on those depictions), and the list goes on. See what I mean? These people are redefining “church” and so welcoming and celebrating of the community gathering therein.  There are many fantastic folks there, so I am hesitant to name only one, but, here I go, doing just that … One of the CREATIVE FORCES BEHIND ALL THIS is the church’s Minister of Music, Gretchen Mundinger (who also happens to be running the NYC Marathon this week – her team is running to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphona Society). If you’re a regular reader of this blog-ette, you’ll likely remember Gretchen from some of her other work in service of others, such as our concerts for Water is Life.

On that note, dear Readers, I bid you (temporarily) Adieu!

And here we have the lovely Minister of Music at Gustavus Adolphus – Gretchen Mundinger. She sings, she plays organs and pianos and arranges all kinds of fantastic events… Gretchen also happens to be running the NYC Marathon this week – her team is running to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphona Society. SUPPORT HER TEAM at http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/nyc13/gretchenmundinger

 

 

An ongoing series of knitted pussy willows – here they are close-up. I thought you’d enjoy seeing the stitchwork, some knit, some crochet, the puffs are made of llama (see those long hairs).

One of the fantastic members of Gustavus Adolphus

Ok, not one to miss a photo op, I trotted out in front of the Banksy truck with my pot of knitted willows in tow. Here I am, yakking with one of the (suddenly silent) puppeteers inside the truck. Moments before, I swear that her/his puppet had been mooning us. 😉

Next in the series of moi-meme with the willows by Banksy truck. We need as much art as possible in this world, people!

Lisa Daehlin avec les saules tricotés à côté de camion de Banksy.

Now… I’d like to imply some sort of story line here.. the guy getting out of the truck as I attempt to tailgate on the fame of the Banksy truck.. could be a bit ominous.. but it wasn’t in any way.. see? we make up our own stories. Go write yours and blog about it! Storytelling is life!

And, that’s a wrap…

Artists from the Gustavus Adolphus community were invited to adorn the church with art. These physical pieces added to the dance, song, discussion, etc. that made the Reformation Sunday one to remember. There was even a direct descendent of Martin Luther in the congregation.

Artwork on the altar at the Gustavus Adolphus. See those gorgeous windows? Some of them are Tiffany.

Artwork on the altar at the Gustavus Adolphus. One of my favorite things about a church is the board on which they list the hymns of the day (so very “old school” I believe it dates back to before there were printed bulletins). Pop quiz: can you name those hymns? Hint: Martin Luther.

The sanctuary at Gustavus Adolophus adorned with artwork by the children of the parish.

The sanctuary at Gustavus Adolophus adorned with artwork by the children of the parish. This, one of the many enchanting images, says “I see God in my reflection”.

And here we have the lovely Minister of Music at Gustavus Adolphus – Gretchen Mundinger. She sings, she plays organs and pianos and arranges all kinds of fantastic events.

See how fun are the folks at this church? This past summer when it was hotter than beGEEbuhs, here’s what they put on their sign out front…