It is nearly impossible to take photographs that even come close to capturing the essence of this place, and it definitely has a sense of place that belies its physical stature. Here are a few photos that fail miserably at the task of trying to define Thorncrown.
As much as I enjoyed the architecture, there were parts of the experience that were not quite as enjoyable- and I thought I was the only one feeling a bit of a letdown with my experience there- but on departing I found that everyone in our group felt similarly to the way I did. It seems that on my previous visit, I was allowed to move around and enjoy the context of the building. This time the path was quite prescribed, and I don't mind that as much as I mind the signage that seems to compete with the building. There was also a bit of "merchandising" that was occurring inside the doors of the chapel- this bothered me a lot. The Minister there was selling her CDs, and even got up to play a song or two, and although she was very good, I thought it sent the wrong message. I doubt E. Fay Jones, the Architect, ever intended for there to be anything competing with the nature outside of his structure, or the view of it from inside. The Minister's music was also piped over the speakers- a totally unnecessary intrusion on the space. There was no sitting in silence. There were also extraneous items strewn about: extension chords, ladders, folding chairs, bibles with an image of Thorncrown embossed on their covers, and cheesy instructional signs telling you where you can't go and what you can't do.
I'm sure these signs were found to be necessary intrusions ( probably because of overactive architecture fanatics like me! ), but why not have signs that complement the structure? The firm that designed the structure is just over in Fayetteville- I'm sure they could come up with something to honor the memory Fay Jones, and work nicely with one of his masterpieces.
All that said, don't put off going to the chapel based one group's quirks and biases- the design has way too much power to be defeated by little trifling bits of schmaltz. I still have it in my "top ten", and I don't see that changing any time soon- they just need to get the money-changers out of the temple, so to speak.
