March 17, 2010

Sacred art: A glimpse into 'the mystery of God'

By John Gleason

Approximately 70 people attended a reception and art demonstration that opened a 12-piece art show now on display at the John Paul II Center in south Denver.

Attendees came to watch artist Devin Montagne create an original painting during the evening, which was then immediately put up for auction. The event began with remarks from Denver Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley who quoted a portion of a letter Pope John Paul II had written to all artists in 1999.

“Artists of the world, may your many different paths all lead to that infinite Ocean of Beauty where wonder becomes awe, exhilaration and unspeakable joy,” he read. “May you be guided and inspired by the mystery of the risen Christ, whom the Church in these days contemplates with joy.”

Bishop Conley concluded by thanking all artists, noting they “help us see through the windows into the mystery of God.”

Following the bishop’s remarks, an easel was set up in the lobby outside the Cardinal Stafford Library and Montagne began working on the 3-foot by 4-foot canvas.  Montagne mixes his colors from four cans of acrylic paint: blue, red, yellow and white.  A fifth bucket contains water, allowing him to thin the paint.  Foregoing a brush, he dips one hand in the paint, using the palm of the other as a palette, mixing paints together to create the work. 

Soon the audience could make out the outline of a face and other features.  As Montagne worked the conversation in the room tapered off as everyone watched the likeness taking shape.

“It’s kind of quiet in here,” Montagne joked.

The broad strokes and applications of color soon took on a finer tone as Montagne focused on the details of the face, hair and eyes.  In less than an hour what had been a blank canvas became a rendering of Jesus.

“How’s that look?” Montagne asked, generating enthusiastic applause.

At the auction, the painting was purchased by Kristen Kaudle for $500. 

“It’s amazing to watch how this comes together,” she told the Register. “I was moved by watching it being painted and would have gladly paid more.”

Montagne’s art has been seen in churches around the archdiocese but this is the first time his work will be on display at the JPII Center.   The collection on exhibit represents Lenten themes, including the Last Supper and Resurrection. All paintings on display are available for purchase. The show is available for viewing 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily through Pentecost (May 23).

The John Paul II Center is located at 1300 S. Steele St. in Denver.  For more information, call the Office of Liturgy at 303-715-3156.

Montagne Art Exhibit

Where: JPII Center, 1300 S. Steele St., Denver
When: 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily through May23
Cost: free; paintings available for purchase
Questions: Call 303-715-3156 Web site: www.chastity.com
Questions: e-mail  Chris.Stefanick@archden.org

Lette to Artists

Read it online at: www.cin.org/jp2/jp2artist.html