April 29, 2009

Catholic exhibit at Aurora Museum

More than 75 Catholic devotional objects dating as far back as the late 18th century will be on display from May 12 to Aug. 2 at the Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway. The exhibit, “Santos,” will explore the history of santos (saints), delving into the 18th and 19th century New Mexico and Colorado traditions and examining the santeros (saint-makers), who carved and painted objects for local villagers in the Southwest using local materials such as pine, cottonwood and natural pigments.  Objects on display from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries will include hand-carved statues and painted panels of saints.
The objects are on loan from the Regis University Santo Collection. While some of the pieces normally are on display in the university’s Dayton Memorial Library, a majority of the collection is always in storage so this exhibit offers a rare glimpse of many pieces at one time.  Admission to this exhibit is free. For information, call 303-739-6666 or visit auroramuseum.org.