We worship in different ways, but we're still one congregation. The sanctuary in Hope's north campus was built 30 years ago. It's completely enclosed with no natural light except from a small skylight above the altar. Once it was decided to move all worship services into this space, the next step was to update the sanctuary in a way that all worship types could appreciate. Color was the answer.
People seem to desire a connection to nature.
This is where Van Kempen entered. Although weaving is her predominant medium, she's experimented with silk dyeing. Denise Drake at Mutchler Bartram Architects knew this and introduced Hope to her. Van Kempen, who spent much of her childhood drawing and painting with her cousins, visited the church in June. Together the parties decided they wanted something modeled after the works of impressionist painter Monet.