In 2023, Canon Lonnie Hamilton III, a longtime member of the historic Calvary Episcopal Church in Charleston, recommended to another member, Grace Wingfield, that she should attend the the 233rd Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina and be open to where that might lead her. When she did attend the convention, she attended a workshop offered by the Foundation for Spirituality and the Arts led by Graeme Mortimer Evelyn, who at the time was serving the organization as artist-in-residence. From that workshop, an idea was born that led the the creation of The Calvary Icons Project.
The Calvary Icons is the groundbreaking inaugural project of the Creative Resilience Initiative; a visionary endeavor that bridges contemporary artistic expression with the profound weight of history. This project aims to stand as a beacon of light, illuminating the perseverance and enduring strength of a church that has withstood the trials of time, emerging ever resilient, ever standing.
Through the power of storytelling, the preservation of oral history, and drawing from lessons of strength and love from both past and present, we embark on a transformative journey—one that dares to reimagine the future. This initiative creates dynamic opportunities for our community to engage, inform, and discern together, forging deeper connections. It is through this collective experience that we cultivate sustainability, ensure cultural viability, and foster a renewed sense of purpose
At its core, this project is about more than remembrance—it is about resurgence. The stories we unearth and the wisdom we carry forward shape compelling, spiritual works of art that serve as both a permanent acknowledgment of the unyielding resilience of Charleston’s people and offer a powerful model for forward-thinking reconciliation. Through the convergence of history, creativity, and community, The Calvary Icons Project celebrates the indomitable spirit that refuses to be dimmed, and guides us toward a future infused with hope, unity, and enduring strength.
To bring this vision to life, we need your support. Whether through financial contributions, or volunteering your time and talents, your involvement is vital in ensuring the success and sustainability of this project. Your generosity will help preserve history, foster artistic expression, and strengthen the bonds of our community. Join us in illuminating the path forward – one that honors the past while shaping a brighter, more connected future.
Project Coordinator: Grace Wingfield – calvaryicons@gmail.com
Artist: Graeme Mortimer Evelyn
In the News
Please see the story published below by The Post and Courier in Charleston on Sunday, September 29, 2024. The article may also be viewed on the newspaper’s website at this link. You may also click the images below for a .pdf version of the article.
