Gurnee artist is transforming door to two worlds
Submitted by Undercroft Gallery
Gurnee artist Thom Kapheim is taking a simple door in an obscure church courtyard and turning it into something commanding and welcoming — but so far only on paper.
He is halfway through a two-month work-in-progress show at the Undercroft Gallery at Christ Episcopal Church in Waukegan. Visitors are seeing increasingly complex sketches that mark the progress of his original thought as it matures into a final product that is not yet defined.
“The idea that something common and functional has such rich potential is compelling,” said Chris Tanner, gallery manager. “His conceptual sketches and sample sculptures show how a cold brick and stone space can yield to the mind and become a warm sense of embracement and beckoning.”
Thom’s door is an outside entry to a connection between the 1880 church and its turn-of-the-century addition of offices and event areas, a courtyard entrance to a passageway between two centuries.
Upon entering the door, to the right is divinity and to the left is utility, an odd juncture in time and need.
From the beginning, Thom has seen the courtyard as a promenade of figures on both sides of the courtyard, ascending figures above the door, and a regal crown of thorns at the very top. Now the door has sculpted themed panels, an impossible glow that somehow suggests it has been thrown open to sunshine, and tiers of angels, serene and respectful.
The gallery now has many examples of the small sculptures and bas relief panels that Thom’s mind is projecting into the concept.
“I am so excited about this exhibit. Thom’s ideas are captivating,” said Eileen Shanley-Roberts, rector of Christ Episcopal Church. “I can’t wait to see things take shape and see what unfolds in his design process. I’m really looking forward to the courtyard landscaping possibilities in response to the art.”
The end is not clear, but the artistic process is everywhere evident, and the potential is held as much by the viewer as the artist.
Follow the final days of “The Door,” this artistic interpretation of a century-old church door, exhibiting through Feb. 29 at Waukegan’s Undercroft Gallery in the lower level of Christ Episcopal Church, 410 Grand Ave. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.
There will be a final Saturday reception from 4-7 p.m. Feb. 18 in conjunction with Waukegan’s Art Wauk monthly event. To schedule group visits, call (847) 367-5308.
The gallery is jointly sponsored by the church, the Lake County Arts Magazine and the Lake County Art League.
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