Submitted by Luther Memorial pastor Monica Weber
BLACKSBURG – As part of Luther Memorial’s “Art in Advent” series beginning on the first Sunday of Advent, Nov. 27, 2022, mixed media Chrismons created by artist Nancy Prichard will be on display in the church Narthex at 600 Prices Fork Rd.
The exhibit will be displayed through Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, and is open to the public Sunday mornings between 9 am to noon, and by appointment during the business week. To arrange an appointment, call the church office at 540-951-1000.
Chrismon, a word derived from “Christ” and “monogram,” describes an interdenominational symbol of Jesus Christ. The first Chrismons were created in 1957 by Frances Kipps Spencer of Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville out of a desire to design appropriate liturgical decorations for the church’s Christmas tree. The concept is now used worldwide.
Each of the mixed media constructions by Prichard, a member of the Luther Memorial congregation, celebrates Christ through symbolism using a contemplative process. Representing events in the church’s liturgical calendar, the pieces begin with a cross form representing a specific cultural tradition.
Bits of hymns, scripture, and found materials are layered on each cross around a central image that represents an event in the life of Christ. Prichard said, “These Chrismons were designed to be displayed individually to celebrate events in the life of Christ throughout the liturgical year. This is the first time they have been exhibited collectively. They are constructed from a variety of natural and synthetic materials: vines, polymer clay, fabric, foam core board, found papers, beads, screen mesh, wood, and metal spikes. Acrylic paint, oil pastels and colored pencils are used as colorants.”
The Rev. Monica Weber, Luther Memorial’s pastor, said, “We are so happy that Nancy is sharing her beautiful Chrismons with us, and we invite our friends in Blacksburg and the New River Valley to view this unique exhibition.”
