monika wührer

cHURCH OF MONIKA

Open Source
2010, Sundays
NY, Park Slope

Despite Monika Wuhrer's and Gary Baldwin's trepidation about the influence of religion, and specifically the church, on politics, there is no doubt that the fostering of community is it's strongest public contribution.

In addition to the monthly exhibitions at "Open Source", on Sundays, Gary Baldwin and Monika Wuhrer established the "Church of Monika" with the intention of communicating and demonstrating the role art can and should have on community. Their experiences with the Soap Box Derby Camp and subsequent race, as well as their annual Soup Kitchen in December, have validated their desire to move forward in this direction.

The "Church" is a moderated town hall type of meeting rather than a sermon with topics varying each week. Snacks and coffee are served, doubling the event's function as it becomes an alternative to brunch with bloody marys. Of course, this is an art gallery and that will be the general focus, but they are open to performers and thinkers of any ilk.

The origin of their concept stems from their mutual admiration of the Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas. This profound monument to the freedom and pursuit of self-reflection is a model of art as a surrogate for religion. They take a non-denominational and tolerant attitude in their journey through life and their hope is to build an alliance with people of all faiths and world-views. They suffer no delusions of grandeur, they only seek to inspire and be inspired by the art of life and community.