Two new developments on the outside of St. Anthony’s: 

First, our long anxiety over the missing front doors is over, and the wait was well worth it. The doors, not only repainted, but rebuilt and with new hardware, are back in place. I can’t tell you how many people contacted me wondering what was going on — we we okay? 

Now they know. And the restoration team, Worth Gretter and Frank Houde, were not shy about the paint job. They matched what they can detect of the old paint, decades ago, with an eye-catching maroon and purple design.

The other development is a sign on the Madison Avenue side of the building, where the Boarded Up art show has been playing to increasing admiration since early spring. Written by the curators of Boarded Up, Emily Collins and Jeff Root, it’s a heartfelt “thank you” to the artists and their audience, and a brief reflection on how art happens.  

“So many of you have slowed down to look and talk about the art on this wall. “To remember art you have created.

“To imagine art you can create. 

“This project is just one small example of what we all try to do each day.

I can’t think of a better statement of what “community art” means, or a better invitation to the future of GSCA.

Boarded Up comes to a close on Friday, August 1, when the 40 pieces of art created by artists near and far (but mostly quite near) are on display at the church, and will be auctioned off to raise money for future projects. 

For more information, contact tommcph@earthlink.net

You’re invited!