Client: Holy Cross Retreat Center
Location: Mesilla Park,, NM, United States
Completion date: 2017
Artwork budget: $92,000
Project Team
Artist
Jeff Smith
Architectural Stained Glass, Inc.
Overview
Holy Cross Retreat Center received stained glass for its new Chapel just in time for its 60th Anniversary celebrations. The focus of worship in the Chapel is the wooden Altar Cross. Reservation and Blessed Mother Chapels flank the Altar and contain the 12 windows, door and transom where the stained glass resides.
Goals
The new worship space recalls portico and atrium arches found in the retreat center’s first building (1957) with numerous round-topped windows and doorways. Circles are traditional symbols of perfection. The arched-tops of the chapel windows merge into the windows where the stained glass includes circular arcs.
Process
In collaboration with HCRC, architect and liturgical design consultant, we discovered the general themes for the two chapels: San Juan Diego and the resurrected Christ. After reviewing preliminary art glass designs, it was agreed to include more recognizable figures near the entrances with painted and etched portraits.