Grace Cathedral

McFerrin complemented the cathedral’s “Year of Poetry” by bringing his iconic circlesongschool workshop to the cathedral, which included The Unbroken Circlesong: 24 Hours of Circlesongs, inviting singers of all levels to join him and his international faculty in spontaneous vocal adventures. He and his ensemble MOTION also offered Circlesongs monthly before our Choral Eucharist Service.

As our 2022 Artist in Residence, Lee contemplated the Year of Connection and shared his story and inspiration at cornerstone events such as The Forum, Yoga on the Labyrinth, and Choral Eucharist. He offered an epic performance of his work, Our Labyrinth For Grace, in which dancers use a stylized broom to sweep a mound of rice along a labyrinthian path of their choosing.

During his residency, King spoke at the cathedral’s conversation series, The Forum, and preached at Choral Eucharist on Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday. His company, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, was a major presence, holding workshops and showcases and both King and LINES Ballet were celebrated at a special Evensong. The residency culminated in sold-out performances of GRACE,  a new work responding to the cathedral’s theme.

Our 2018 Artist in Residence Sukey Bryan addressed the truth about climate change and brightened the cathedral with many colorful installations, among them ones for Earth Day, Pentecost, and the opening Multi-Faith Service for the Global Climate Action Summit.

In 2017, “The Gift” inspired the cathedral’s first spoken word Artist in Residence, Sarah Kay, to write a poem in honor of the theme in addition to presenting and enlightening audiences at a range of exciting cathedral events.

Artists Benjamin Bergery and Jim Campbell created two light installations during their residency. Jacob’s Dream: A Luminous Path, an installation of light and moving images currently hanging in the cathedral was designed to evoke a pathway between earth and heaven, between the visible and invisible. They also premiered Miracle Fragments, a two-night-only light and sound event evoking different Biblical miracles.

As the Artists in Residence, they premiered their work, Fields of Prayer, an integrative, immersive light and sound installation. They presented several live performances and several exterior presentations of the installation.

Oakland-based eco-chef, food justice activist, and author Bryant Terry educated the community about how a more just, healthier food system supports healthy communities. He also delighted us with vegetarian menus and presentations as part of our 50th-anniversary celebrations.

New York visual artist Anne Patterson produced multi-sensory evenings of visual art and music, collaborating with renowned cellist Joshua Roman and composer and conductor Paul Haas, and created a stunning, music-inspired aerial installation with 20 miles of ribbon, titled Graced with Light. View a film about Graced with Light by Three Bridges West, and learn more about Anne Patterson.

Actor and playwright Anna Deavere Smith became the cathedral’s first Artist in Residence. The premiere of her work in progress, “On Grace,” with accompaniment by cellist Joshua Roman, was presented over two nights in sold-out performances.