Theology
Purpose
Policies
Hanging the Shows
Contact with the Artist
Contact

THEOLOGY:
We believe that both Christian faith and the arts are manifestations of the same creative spirit, deeply rooted in the human soul. We believe:
• art enables us to see things more clearly, not just as they are but also as they matter and as they can be;
• art has the power to disclose unspeakable truths that can never be translated into words, to enable us to see the holy in the ordinary, and to stir the human spirit with visions of a higher reality;
• art is uniquely suited to enable us to experience the creative spirit of God which resides within each of us, to communicate with each other on a deep spiritual level, and to express our relationship to the world around us.

PURPOSE:
The purpose of Trinity Gallery is two-fold:
to create an environment which celebrates and fosters both the viewing of and the making of art as vital, integral parts of the spiritual life of our faith community which reminds us that it is our highest human calling to share with God in the on-going creation of our world and our own future in it; and

to enrich our faith community and the broader Rutgers community with a visual expression of faith which will add to the community’s spiritual growth; and

to provide an educational opportunity within Trinity House which will expand the community’s visual literacy; and

to have “outside shows” that encourage artists who are Christians, professional as well as amateur, with space to display their work.

to have “inside shows” that provide an opportunity for our faith community to share their creative expressions in the hopes of building community among those who attend our functions. (baby picture, sock displays, confirmation photos with paper and pencil underneath for people to write stories that correlate, crafts, thematic shows, photography)

POLICIES:
We will hang shows that in some way relate to issues of faith, biblical subjects or themes relative to the community of faith at Trinity.

We will have some shows drawn from the community’s creative abilities or from collections within the community. If a member has a show in the gallery, it need not be of a religious nature: this kind of show has as one of its objectives to build a sense of community and sharing.

When an artist provides a show for the gallery, there will be a small honorarium provided to the artist. Perhaps $25-$50 for their time and energy, especially if they help hang the show.

We will place a write up of the show in the RUProtestant.News and the Targum as well as send out press releases to local congregations of our supporting denominations in the area.

We will host an opening for the artist so that we might welcome a broader public into Trinity House at specific times, invite the artist to give a gallery talk, and allow the community to chance to discuss and interact with the artists.

We run shows for 1 month with 8 a year (4 per semester) and usually try to book at least a year in advance.

We have a very meager budget so we don’t go looking for expensive displays.

We take a 30% commission (on the honor system) for work sold through the gallery.

We do carry a rider on the ministry’s insurance policy, $5,000 to cover any damage, etc. from displays.

We have one large meeting room dedicated to the gallery space. The walls we use for display measure (chapel wall), (longest wall), (wall between hall entry and kitchen).

We do not have a place for sculpture or anything 3-dimensional that doesn’t hang on a wall. We use the hanging rod system.

HANGING THE SHOWS
We will install the artwork with the guidance of the exhibiting artist. All artwork must be completely framed (in plexiglass), wired, and ready and suitable for exhibition without any preparation by the committee hanging the show. We will hang the work carefully in as professional a manner as possible. Ordinarily the art is hung with the horizon line or the central focus at about 5 feet in height that is standard in museums.

When possible, we will use the adjustable hanging cable system for hanging the artwork. Goffer tape is used to mount the labels and also to secure the hanging cable wires if needed.

We will have printed material available for the viewer (signs with the name of the show, the artist’s name, and labels with each piece on display) so they might be engaged in what they are viewing and be helped in the educational process.

CONTACT WITH THE ARTIST:
We will contact the artist and ask them to have a show at a set date.

We will supply them with a diagram of the room and talk over how many pieces are appropriate.

We will set a date for delivery and/or hanging of the show.

We will have the artist supply information for each piece, with a short description of a sentence or two to accompany each work in the show. This should arrive
2 months before the show in order to allow time for creating labels. The artist should also supply an artist’s statement, information on the show that can be blown up and posted on the wall, a title for the show, a list of artwork with title, description, medium, size and value of each piece for insurance purposes. This should be sent to Barbara Heck at least 2 weeks prior to installation date so that exhibit labels can be generated as well as price list. Any other information that will make the show more accessible to the community needs to be sent as well.

We will set a date for removing the show.

Artwork is insured by Rutgers Protestant Campus Ministries after it’s safe arrival at Trinity House and is not insured in transit. Each piece is insured for up to $4,000. The total value for the entire exhibit will be $56,000.00. Insurance is in force only for dates listed for exhibit, plus one day prior to and one day after. On the day the work is brought to Trinity House, a list of all works must be provided for the ministry files. The list shall identify each piece of work by title or number and value of each piece. This value is for insurance purposes and can be less that the purchase price. If the Lender elects to maintain his/her own insurance, RPCM must be supplied with a Certificate of Insurance naming Rutgers Protestant Campus Ministries as additional insured with respect to the loaned art work.

CONTACT:
If any one is interested in showing, they can contact Barbara Heck (revheck@rci.rutgers.edu)

Trinity House Gallery is a not-for-profit organization. Sale of artwork is through the artist; however the Gallery committee will help facilitate sales during the artist’s reception and will place red dots on sold works during the exhibition. The artist is responsible for all arrangements necessary for finalization of any sales transaction.

The artist will be paid 70% of the sale price by Rutgers Protestant Campus Ministries within 30 days of receipt of payment. The remaining 30% goes to support the visual arts ministry of RPCM.