Commissioning Liturgical Art is a rewarding experience and far easier than most people realize. This is a step by step checklist which G.R.Hoelzeman Studios follows for all commissions:
+ Select some artists who's work you find most suit your interests. Most liturgical artists can create in a variety of styles, although they (like all artists) often have a 'signature' style.
+ Contact the artist or artists, describe your interest and any unique characteristics and budget. G.R.Hoelzeman Studios provides an easy-to-follow form to begin this process.
+ Select two to three artists for interviews. This is an opportunity to discern if a particular artist is a good fit for your community and project.
+ Contact your chosen artist and begin the commissioning process. Each artist has their own process, so discuss this during the interview phase. G.R.Hoelzeman Studios uses the following outline.
+ Design Fee - G.R.Hoelzeman Studios requires a design fee which covers the work at this level. Design fees are non-refundable and include a creative session with the client and appropriate revisions of the design and cost. DO NOT ASK ARTISTS TO DESIGN "on speculation" or as part of a "competition". In order to get the best results, we need to develop a creative relationship with you, the commissioning client.
+ Design Approval and Down Payment. Once a design is approved the contract is signed and a 50% deposit is made to cover work and materials (particularly large projects may have scheduled payments). The Artist will provide updates on the work and maintain contact with the client.
+ Completion and Installation. Once the work is complete, we deliver it to your location and oversee certain aspects of installation (G.R.Hoelzeman Studios does not do structural, plumbing, or electrical work). The final payment is then due, with delivery and installation costs being additional.
+ Dedication and Celebration. As a professional liturgist, G.R.Hoelzeman can assist with dedication celebrations, including (but not limited to) the Rite of Dedication of a Church and an Altar. This is an optional service which carries no additional cost.
The consultant relationship is one of the most important in the entire process of new construction or renovation of a sacred space. This role is so important that the consultant is one of the professionals listed in Built of Living Stones (chapter 4). The following is the process for finding and working with a Liturgical Consultant recommended by G.R.Hoelzeman Studios.
+ When to hire a Liturgical Consultant. Simply put, as soon as you begin thinking about new construction or renovation. The reason is simple: the consultant can (and should) be a valuable assistant and guide to building a working planning committee and developing a process of parish education designed to engage as much of the community as possible. This engagement will make the entire process smoother, the congregation better informed, and reduce as much potential friction as possible.
+ How to find a Liturgical Consultant. One way is to ask other parishes who they hired and what was their experience. One can also visit the Association of Consultants for Liturgical Space. ACLS maintains a highly qualified membership of Liturgical consultants, architects and artists. Examine their respective portfolios, get references, and contact candidates directly. Of course, George R. Hoelzeman, OblSB, KHS, MTS, is always enthusiastic about discussing your proposal.
+ What to look for in a Liturgical Consultant. First and foremost, the willingness and ability to listen and a determination to collaborate with you and your community. Theological, liturgical, design and communication skills are also essential. Remember that you want to be able to build a relationship with the Liturgical Consultant.
+ Interviews and Contracting. Select several consultants and contact them for qualifications and references. Communicate with them directly to get a 'feel' for how they will be to work with. Then, choose three for interviews with the parish leadership. Thanks to modern technology, this is frequently done online. When a final candidate is chosen, bring them for an in-person visit to the parish. Give the various parish organizations and members an opportunity to meet and speak with the candidate, collect feedback, and hire the candidate if that feedback is positive. The selected consultant will then assist you through the contracting process. While Liturgical Consultants have many procedures in common, there are enough variables that one should discuss the process with the chosen party.
G.R.Hoelzeman Studios uses the following basic consulting process:
++ During or after the initial parish visit, a meeting is scheduled with the pastor and staff to discuss the scope of the proposal.
++ G.R.Hoelzeman Studios offers a number of options for the process ranging from assistance in initial planning and steering committee development to assistance with hiring an architect, parish formation, and initial design development.
++ The process begins with getting input from the community at the same time offering opportunities to learn more about the Liturgy, its theology and history, and exploring creative possibilities. Community input and education/formation are inseparable. During this phase George makes no specific design recommendations, relying instead on consensus building with the community, resolving any existing or potential conflicts, and elevating the parish's appreciation and understanding of the Liturgy, its Art and Architecture.
++ The initial recommendations are based on the process of listening and consensus building.
++ With general satisfaction with the broad recommendations a design process is begun. At this point it is often recommended to hire a qualified architect. G.R.Hoelzeman Studios can assist in this process.
++ With an architect on board, and with additional feedback from the congregation, a final design can be developed. Specific aesthetic needs can be identified, and an artist search can begin. While George R. Hoelzeman is also a highly qualified liturgical artist and designer, and is always interested in creating sculpture and other furnishings, he is also willing to introduce other Liturgical Artists to the congregation and assist with the interview and hiring process.
++ Working with Liturgical Artists is its own unique experience. As a Liturgical Consultant, we can serve as a contact between the Artist and the parish through the design and development process. The consultant can (and should) be a neutral agent in this regard, someone with whom both Congregation and Artist can speak freely about concerns, challenges and conflicts. As an artist himself, George understands how to address sensitive issues of design changes and work schedules. As one who has developed a relationship with the parish, George can speak for any concerns of the congregation and ensure that the final work is truly sacred and engaging.
++ George is unique in that he has an extensive foundation in liturgical celebration, having been a seminarian and monastic candidate, as well as a long time Minister of Ceremonies for various bishops and parishes. As such, he can assist the parish in developing liturgies and other rituals related to the building or renovation process. Ritual assistance is generally done free of charge.
