SANCTUARY 2024
SANCTUARY 2024 introduced a new scheme consisting of cells with colored window panels. The frames were laser cut from a parametric computer model; the windows were a repurposed waste material from a local manufacturer (3Form.) The surface undulates between spaces to create a main sanctum and three flanking chapels. Each chapel is themed for Joy, Hope, or Sorrow. Participants share the experiences on these themes and place them on the frame. The architecture and the act of witnessing act together to create this sacred space on the sidewalk at the Utah Pride Festival, the first of three locations. See Press links for the project at the bottom of the page.
Light enhances the experience and changes throughout the day.
Each chapel bears a theme that determines its color scheme and invites the sharing of experience.
A festival participant taking in notes shared by others. Photo by Rick Egan.
Messages share experience and encouragement with others. Photo by Jack Staker.
Photo by Jack Staker.
Varieties of lighting effects.
Festival Attendees are invited to share their their joys, hopes, or sorrows in blue marker on the cardboard frame.
Construction time-lapse video.
Video walkthrough after the first day
Stop 2: Rexburg, Idaho Pride Festival
The Sanctuary’s second stop was in Rexburg, Idaho. This festival is just a few years old in a community with conservative values. Bringing the Sanctuary to this Pride festival, complete with protestors, feels connected to the mission of promoting spaces of equality including the LGBTQ community.
Stop 3: New York City
The project was then sent to New York City to be featured in a street festival on West 77th Street during Pride Week, hosted by West End Collegiate Church.
Volunteers made this event possible.
One of three sections of the Sanctuary was then placed in West End Church as a backdrop for worship services.
After a sermon in front of (and featuring) the Sanctuary, Pastor Will Critzman requested the structure be left for month.
Blending the innovative and temporary with the historical church and its stain glass windows.
Some of the many people who helped pull it off.
Sanctuary in the News
This essay by Doug Staker discusses the nature of sacred space in the modern world, where it can be found or generated, and the trap of aesthetics. It uses the Sanctuary as a lens into the discussion.
Salt Lake Tribune
The Sanctuary, with its creator, Doug Staker, was featured in the Salt Lake Tribune on June 15, 2024. Click on the link to read the article.
https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/2024/06/14/utah-architect-inspired-by-lgbtq/
Eastern Idaho News
Exerpt from “Rexburg Pride Celebration Draws Large Crowd at Porter Park,” by Rett Nelson,
June 15, 2024.
https://www.eastidahonews.com/2024/06/rexburg-pride-celebration-draws-large-crowd-at-porter-park/
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BYU-Idaho News
This exerpt is from “Rexburg Pride Encourages Acceptance Through Unity,” by Cat Menlove, June 28, 2024.
https://byuiscroll.org/rexburg-pride-encourages-acceptance-through-unity/
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