Meet the Artists: Margarete Klose and Pat Trimble

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This is the next installment in our "Meet the Artist" article series

Grand sweeps of color that transport us into a new liturgical season, trees that burst into bloom at Easter, the sphere of the earth from space, deserts and gardens, beautiful objects in striking arrangements, festive touches on the walkway into the Worship Center, wall hangings that capture our imaginations – have you ever wondered how all this “magically” appears? For the last five years, Margarete Klose and Pat Trimble, current co-coordinators of Worship’s Art & Environment Ministries, have continually created fresh and beautiful settings for our prayer. They always come up with new ways to enhance our space that communicates the meaning, sense and feel of a season – and recruit many others to help, including Margarete’s husband Hans.

They have in fact been gracing us with their talents for many years. The two of them began working together as Fourth Grade catechists when their children were young, in the early days of Epiphany, which they continued for 10 years. Having connected through their teaching, Margarete, with a background in visual arts and design, and Pat, with life-long sewing experience, soon joined their skills to create many beautiful wallhangings, banners, altar cloths, flower arrangements and seasonal decorations.

Inspired by founding co-pastor and artist Richard Fowler, their first endeavor was a large banner of a peace dove for a justice march. Soon afterwards on a visit to the Klose’s home, Sr. Carmelita (then Pastoral Associate) saw a textile hanging Margarete had made, and asked if she would be willing to create something similar for Epiphany. Margarete and Pat gathered others and began working on “Fall Festival”, the triple wall hanging of harvest and plenty. As with many of their works, they carefully chose the best natural fabrics, often dying the fabric themselves. They searched until they found the perfect “match” for the various elements – sometimes from antique linens or an old wedding dress, from nature or curtains or a discarded shirt.

Meeting every Monday literally for years in Pat’s basement, they worked on top of the pool table and talked about the symbolism and meaning of all the pieces and parts, from design to color to texture to process of creation. Their creativity and ability to engage many skilled and committed community members have continually blessed us with beauty. They’ve made some 12 wall hangings, including the “Four Seasons,” “Community,” “Cross and Lamb” (the Good Friday hanging designed by Margarete’s daughter Carla), and most recently “Noah’s Ark.”

They also clean, repair and rework Epiphany treasures created by others. such as reworking Fr. Fowler’s “Epiphany” design when its fabric was disintegrating, and replacing rotted fabrics on our “Wedding at Cana” and Penny Sisto’s “Compassion” (“gypsy”) wallhangings.

They coordinated the restoration of our outdoor nativity set originally made by Fr. Walpole from St. Meinrad. Their dedication and generosity is an inspiration and treasured gift deeply appreciated by Epiphany. Check out just a token of their work in the “Blessings from Margarete and Pat” album – and remember to give God thanks for such talents given and shared!