Putting the Art in Hartford

These begin outside of the building with a large wooden cross which is made from a reclaimed piece of wood from the old hall. It was crushed and mixed with resin then inlaid with the letters of the words, FOR YOU.

As you enter the building, immediately on the left, is the triptych The Three Faces of Christ – where visitors are encouraged to take time to read the poems describing major stages in Jesus’s life.

Going up the staircase are the Light of the World Paintings, seven major Biblical themes in oil. At ground level, just through the second double doors is the installation Praise Be. This is displayed in the lightwell.

Dee herself is a fine art painter and designer. Her paintings have been exhibited in many locations in the UK, including Chester Cathedral. She explains: “Art at St John’s is here as a tool to help us see the gospel afresh, to remind, challenge, inspire or encourage us to see the world, for example, not as opaque to God’s presence but charged with it. My prayer is that these artworks will facilitate this for all who spend time with them."

In the summer of 2024, the Art Ministry Team staged Created, a reflection on God’s creativity which engaged with schools and the wider community culminating in a multi-sensory experience which took over the church in a powerful and memorable installation.

Talks about the art or the Art Ministry at Hartford are available by request to office@stjohnshartford.org