member since 2002
Artech In The News
Bulletin, Wilton, Conn.
Sept. 2, 2004
Zion's Hill Church looks to past for renovation project
Now, the church is undergoing an extensive church renovation that pays tribute to the Greek Revival architectural themes that were in vogue at its time of construction while also remaining true to the simplistic nature of colonial New England church design of the 1840's, and making some practical and cosmetic changes to suit the needs of its congregation
Much painting and the physical work of repairing the plaster and ceiling have already been accomplished. Much of the work is being done by Artech Church Interiors of Danbury, with the added help of church members.
Read the full article here. (PDF version)
Connecticut Post
March 1, 2003
It's 'boom' times for restoration company
Painting old and historic churches is all in a days work for Tom and Bill Burns, owners of Artech Church Interiors in Danbury. When they arrived to work on the renovation of St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport, they brought three generations of experience with them. Their grandfather crafted chalices, and their father concentrated on restoring pews.
For their specialty, the Burns brothers expanded to full church restorations and specialty painting for churches, in the northeast. One challenge the brothers faced with the cathedral "was coming up with the color combination," says Tom. Several people put their heads together to come up with the right colors that will best serve the historic cathedral.
Then "the hardest part of the painting", he says, "will be the highlighting of the gold" at the tops of the columns. They'll also do a wood grain finish on the face of the choir loft "that will look like oak from the main floor." The brothers face other challenges. "In a lot of churches, pews stay in the church, and services like masses and funerals continue there, says Bill.
Read the full article here. (PDF version)
Fairfield Citizen News
Fairfield & Southport
January 23, 2002
Living, Social, Arts & Entertainment
Renovations Under Way for Trinity Episcopal
In the case of Trinity, the pews were removed for restoration. So Artech Church Interior workers had plenty of room to maneuver while the church was closed. During their initial observation of the sanctuary, the brothers determined that every inch of paint, including the ornamental woodwork on the balconies had to be stripped by hand. Burns estimated his crew stripped about 20 layers of paint off the walls.
In addition to restoring the pews, Artech installed new bookracks, kneelers, pew supports and cushions. The Burns brothers enjoy church restoration and renovation and feel in some small way they are carrying on a family tradition. Their grandparents Adrian and Tilly Hamers emigrated from Holland and opened a shop in New York were they designed gold and silver chalices.
