Youth Church ReLaunch (2016) - United Covenant Church of Christ

Project Description:

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The redesign of the Youth Church is the manifested vision of Rev. Vanessa Monroe who serves as the Youth Minister at United Covenant Church of Christ in South Holland, IL. The project included the commissioning of four broken tile mosaic artworks:

The Sankofa Bird (Narthex of the Youth Church)

Medium: Broken Tile Mosaic and Clay Relief (sculpted by teens)

Dimensions: 6’ x 8’ x 0"

Sankofa translates as “Go back and fetch it”. This Adinkra symbol is represented by a bird with its head turned backwards taking an egg off its back. It expresses the need to reflect on the past to build a successful future.

The Ankh (Sanctuary of the Youth Church)

Medium: Individual clay relief pieces (sculpted by teens)

Dimensions: 7’ x 8’ x 0"

The intent of this participatory artwork was to deepen the youth’s personal connection with the work of art and the space. Each teen sculpted a clay piece during their Palm Sunday worship service. They embellished the clay with personal messages of Hope, Love and Peace through the use of Adinkra symbols, words and texture. 

Gye Nyame

Medium: Broken Tile Mosaic and Painted Mural

Dimensions: 6’ x 6’ x 0"

Gye Nyame translates as “Supremacy of God”. This symbol was fabricated in broken tile mosaic and installed in the sunday school classroom for 6-9 year olds. It is juxtaposed with an abstract painted mural.