Northminster Presbyterian Church requests qualifications to commission abstract artwork meant to facilitate faithful meditation to fill a 12’ high by 10’ wide church chancel wall. Below you'll find information on who we are as well as details on the space and scope of the project. You'll also find information on how you can submit an application. Additional reference material and a downloadable copy of this information is available at our website.

Who we are:

Northminster Presbyterian Church (“NPC”) is part of the PC(USA) and Covenant Network of Presbyterians, which seeks equity for LGBTQIA2S+ people in church and society. NPC’s mission is “Seek, Serve and Embrace” and we affirm the right of all people to fully participate in the life of the church. We are located in Indianapolis, IN.

For more than three quarters of a century, our church has grown from a small group meeting on Sunday evenings in another church to hundreds of members in our current building with four expanded sections to accommodate all our activities and ministries. Today, we are an active and dynamic force in Broad Ripple and in communities around the world, with a vision of “engaging with neighbors near and far in Christ’s love.”

From the landmark steeple along Kessler Boulevard East Drive to the outstanding music program that is an integral part of our worship, we offer a welcoming presence and warm family feeling. While primarily a worship space, the chancel also serves to gather diverse groups for weeknight lectures, international musical acts, and neighborhood activities.

We are a congregation that has met challenges and triumphs with the curiosity of seekers, the attitude of servants and the embrace of Christ’s love.

To learn more about our congregation, please visit our website: https://www.northminster-indy.org/

The Space:

Please refer to additional images and SketchUp model at our website. A video of service in the space can be accessed via the Northminster-Indy YouTube channel.

In 2021, our chancel was transformed with the installation of a new C.B. Fisk LLC organ. While much of the Doric-style chancel remained the same, the surrounding pilasters and pediments were modified to create a more open acoustical space. A 6’ wooden cross by Erich Thompson Sacred Spaces LLC, hangs above the table 20’ in front of the organ.

Worship art, predominantly banners of paper or fabric, is changed following the church’s seasonal themes and colors by congregant artists. Imagery is often representational. These banners are usually hung from different locations along the pediment at the front of the chancel.

A 30–40-person choir occupies the space in front of the organ and facilitates worship weekly for three quarters of the year.

Project Scope:

Following a 2021 recommendation by liturgical consultant, David A. VanderMeer, NPC would like to commission an artist to produce artwork to fill a 12’11” high by 10’10” wide space to the right of the organ. (See red area in image.)

There are additional walls in the chancel that could also be included as part of this project if desired by both the Artist and NPC, and if the addition(s) can be included within budget. (See green areas in image.)

Ideally, the commissioned artwork would be subtle enough that it would not overpower seasonal liturgical art in the space, but also compelling enough to be used as a permanent meditation piece.

Recommended materials would be an oil or acrylic painting or metal, wood, or glass sculpture to prevent affecting the acoustics of the space.

Anticipated project budget will be between $25,000-$40,000 inclusive of all expenses.

This project must be completed by November 22, 2024. (Prior to Advent.)

The Artist (or Artist Team) will primarily interact with the Art Commission Team comprised of Project Manager, Rebekah Ryan, Co-Chairs of Worship Team, Lisa Longo and Jeff Schmahl, Director of Operations, Morteza Semnani, Pastor/Head of Staff, Brian Shivers, and Director of Music Ministries, John M. Wright.