Prayerful artists’ community inspires
By Laureen McMahon
The B.C. Catholic

VANCOUVER--The Epiphany Sacred Arts Guild, founded several years ago to “reveal the depth and beauty of Christian Truth through Catholic Sacred Art,” has issued an open invitation to B.C. Catholic readers with an interest in sacred art to join them every second Saturday of the month at 12:30 p.m. at St. Jude’s Church, 3078 Renfrew St. (at 15 Ave.), in Vancouver.

Guided by their chaplain, Father Lawrence Donnelly, ESAG artists and associates seek to promote the practice and appreciation of sacred arts in conformity with the magisterium of the Catholic Church.

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, has met with ESAG artists and expressed strong support for their work, guild member Patricia Ballard said.

The artists, who create individual works of art in their studios, gather each month because they share a sacred mission and to discuss art from theological and technical perspectives. Their meetings are both informative and inspirational, Ballard added.

Another benefit to membership in the guild, she suggested, is being exposed to a wide variety of sacred art.

“We invite speakers to share their expertise with us on various subjects such as Church architecture, restoration, and history as well as iconography, calligraphy, illumination, sculpture, Christology, Mariology, and hagiography. We learn to appreciate sacred art that, though it may come from different disciplines, is created with a shared mission and purpose.”

It is not necessary for potential members to be engaged in creating sacred art to join the guild, Ballard added. An interest in the subject is sufficient.

ESAG members go on spiritual retreats twice a year. Each June they make a pilgrimage to the Benedictine Westminster Abbey in Mission. Abbot John Braganza, OSB, has taken “a keen interest” in the guild and its development, said Ballard.

The abbey, she added, is a “treasure trove” for sacred artists with its many wonderful works of art, including paintings and sculpture by Benedictines.

ESAG members are preparing for their fourth biennial juried art show entitled “Ut Manifestentur Opera Dei” (that God’s works may be made manifest). Works will be judged on maturity of concept, composition and design, excellence of craftsmanship, quality of materials, and balance between fidelity to tradition and originality and presentation.

Guild members display their art in parishes regularly throughout the year. They also give talks and slide presentations, when invited, to church groups like the Catholic Women’s League and to catechists who teach the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

“Some of our members teach iconography and give workshops whenever possible,” said Ballard.

Those interested in joining this prayerful artistic community can phone ESAG president Frank Turner, 604-942-3171. Members’ sacred art can be viewed and information about coming events is available at www.epiphanysacredarts.org.