Generations Shall Call Her Blessed
Pueblo, CO -- Jan Oliver, well known for both her paintings of Saints and of the Southwest, presents 8 new works as a part of the Santos and Santeros show at the Sangre De Cristo Arts & Conference Center. The Santos and Santeros show is part of the Sangre De Cristo Art Center’s Winter Exhibits collection entitled: Show and Tell—Memory, Art, Community — a world-class exhibit reflecting the rich tapestry and visual storytelling of the folk art tradition.
In this show, Jan Oliver’s works are set side-by-side with the work of two of her mentor’s Santero Carlos J. Otero of Albuquerque who creates beautiful bultos and gesso reliefs, and Santero Jerry Montoya of Grants who creates beautiful contemporary retablos with his signature style of tinwork. Both artists reside in New Mexico. Jan has previously exhibited with Carlos and Jerry at the La Fiesta de Colores show that occurs annually in May in Grants, New Mexico and has studied tinwork under Jerry. By pairing the work of these artists, one can see the beautiful diversity and common threads in the work of these contemporary devotional artists.
Amongst Jan’s new work are new depictions of the Blessed Mother—And Generations shall Call her Blessed, and Saint Francis, Let Me Sow Love. Other lesser-known saints depicted by Jan in the show include Saint Librada – Patroness of Liberated Women. “The common thread that runs through these works is a devotion to God and a devotion to storytelling. There is so much we can learn from the lives of the Saints,” says artist Jan Oliver. “Especially during trying times such as these, the Saints were individuals who showed uncommon courage, compassion and love for God and for their fellow man. There is much we can learn by studying their lives and by sharing their stories of struggle—this is what it means to be a Santero or Santera—to continue telling the stories of the saints through art so that we can all continue to learn from them.”
“I am so grateful to be able to participate in this show and to show my work amongst artists who have inspired and continue to inspire me and helped me in developing as an artist. This exhibit, presented by the Arts Center, truly reflects their commitment and appreciation for the folk art traditions of this region and around the world” said artist Jan Oliver.
The Santos and Santeros Show, part of the Show and Tell exhibit, runs through May 9, 2009.
Additional Information on the show:
Sangre De Cristo Arts and Conference Center:
http://www.sdc-
Artist Web Site:
http://www.janoliver.com or call (303) 880-6435.
