ART & MUSIC
AT THE INTERCHURCH CENTER
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Christopher Johnson
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Jennifer Roberts
MUSIC
Experience the rich musical offerings at The Interchurch Center, where artistry and community come together in harmony.
Whether you're seeking a midday escape or a moment of inspiration, our concerts provide an opportunity to enjoy world-class music in a welcoming and acoustically vibrant setting. Join us and be a part of a tradition that celebrates the power of music to uplift, connect, and inspire.
CHOIR
The Interchurch Center sponsors two choral groups that perform throughout the September–May season.
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The Gospel Choir rehearses Tuesdays at 12:00 PM, featuring both traditional and contemporary Gospel music. No sight-reading skills are required, but some choral experience is preferred due to brief rehearsals.
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The Interchurch Center Chorus rehearses Wednesdays from 1:00–2:00 PM, performing a diverse choral repertoire, often with instrumental accompaniment. While no auditions are required, choral experience or sight-reading ability is recommended.
Both choirs rehearse in the chapel and welcome new members!
WEDNESDAY NOON-DAY CONCERTS
From mid-September through May, The Interchurch Center presents a diverse Noonday Concert Series, featuring professional artists from New York and beyond. Performances span genres from classical and jazz to global folk traditions, showcasing both emerging and established musicians. Curated by Director of Chapel Music Christopher Johnson, these 30-minute concerts begin at 12:05 PM, offering a cultural respite for tenants and visitors alike. Concerts are now available virtually via YouTube.
MUSIC EVENTS
Wednesday Noonday ConcertWed, Mar 19Featuring: Meghann Vaughn, a versatile mezzo-soprano known for her dynamic performances across various musical genres. She has delivered compelling renditions of pieces such as "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need" and "Ride On, King Jesus," accompanied by pianist Christopher Johnson.
ART
Art inspires, connects, and transforms us. It tells stories, evokes emotions, and challenges perspectives. From vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, from contemporary installations to timeless crafts—art captures the essence of human creativity.
Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of artistic expression. Explore our spaces, discover new talents, and experience the magic that only art can create. Discover two exceptional exhibit spaces on the main floor, thoughtfully designed for public accessibility and full handicap access.
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Submissions are evaluated based on quality, innovation, and appropriateness and adequacy of facilities and equipment at The Interchurch Center.
THE TREASURE ROOM
Step into 2,000 square feet of premier exhibit space, featuring professional display and lighting systems that enhance every detail of the artwork on view.
THE CORRIDOR
Experience a unique showcase with twenty large, self-lighted vitrines, each measuring approximately 46” high by 36” wide. Eight vitrines are eighteen inches deep, perfect for three-dimensional works. Enjoy a dynamic rotation of fine arts and crafts, refreshed every four weeks throughout an eight-month cycle.
PERMANENT ART
The Bible Room
This English oak-paneled space features an ongoing exhibit on Bible translation, including Dead Sea Scrolls photos and insights from Rev. Dr. Bruce Metzger. Dedicated to Dr. Luther Weigle, it’s open during Treasure Room hours.
Moon Series
Hawaiian-born ceramicist Toshiko Takaezu studied at Cranbrook, where she found her artistic voice. A dedicated teacher, she led the Cleveland Institute’s ceramics department (1954–1964). Her 1970s–80s Moon Series explores round, feminine forms. This piece was gifted to The Interchurch Center in 2007.
Axiom One
Ruth Nickerson, a WPA artist and sculptor, specialized in direct stone carving and larger-than-life religious figures. AXIOM ONE symbolizes humanity’s shared origins, with abstract female forms birthing four distinct racial heads, inspired by Confucius’ quote: “Within The Four Seas, All Men Are Brothers.”
North & South Corridor
These corridors, lined with Italian Botticino marble, connect the Riverside Drive and Claremont Avenue Lobbies. Twenty recessed, lighted cases display artwork alongside Treasure Room exhibits. The North Corridor honors ministers, while the South Corridor honors laymen for their devoted service.
The Massive Teak Doors
The 16-foot teak doors at the Narthex and Treasure Room entrances are paneled in Burmese teakwood and inlaid with ten crosses in Ceylonese satinwood and East Indian rosewood. Right side: Latin, Celtic, Crusader, Tau, and Anchor crosses. Left side: Greek, Russian, Maltese, St. Andrew, and Cross Crosslet.
Canopy of Stars
The 35×45′ plaster ceiling by Israel Levitan (1912–1982) is a unique work by the artist, known for sculpting in wood, stone, and metal. Located in the Narthex, it features 1,000 embedded lucite disks that project light, creating the effect of a starlit night canopy.
The Narthex
The narthex, entered through 16′ Burmese teakwood doors inlaid with ten crosses, features an 11×12′ tapestry by Lenore Tawney, depicting “Nativity in Nature” with gold-threaded light. A pink granite bench bears the Chapel dedication, under a star-like lucite-lit ceiling by Israel Levitan.
Nativity in Nature
This 11×12′ textured tapestry by Lenore Tawney depicts Christ’s arrival as a holy spirit. Mary holds the Christ child, shown as golden threads of pure light. Dark nature is pierced by heavenly blessing. Purchased from Tawney by The Interchurch Center’s architects for its 1960 opening.
Chi'Rho
Above the teak altar table hangs a gilded, stylized Chi Rho, the ancient Greek symbol for Christ, formed from the first two letters of Christos. Standing seven feet high, it is crafted from shimmering gold mosaic.
ART EXHIBITS
Reflections on ProgressMarch 14th - May 2ndIn celebration of Women’s History Month, the Galleries of The Interchurch Center are pleased to welcome the New York Society of Women Artists with their show, Notes On Progress. This large group show will include work from more than 40 women artists, as NYSWA celebrates their 100th Anniversary.