Religious Iconography Exhibition Includes Alternative Styles

MILWAUKEE - Jan. 13, 2015 - PRLog -- An opening reception for “Axis Mundi: Connecting Heaven and Earth,” an exhibition of iconography by Wisconsin artists Andrea Bowes, Katherine de Shazer, and Friends of Iconography, will be held at Alfons Gallery, 1501 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, with an artists’ talk from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

The exhibition continues through March 15, 2015.

Icons by the Friends of Iconography, a group of artists who study with Bowes and de Shazer, will also be exhibiting works in this exhibition.  The group includes Nancy Gezella, Jade McInroe, Barbara Tatic, Darlene Wesenberg Rzezotarski, Dan Worth, and Joanne Yasus. They have been drawn to this art form for a variety of reasons, and their personal viewpoints and interests are reflected in their pieces.

“Axis Mundi” means connection between heaven and earth. It’s considered to be the world’s point of beginning—the line through the earth’s center that allows for communication between the lower and higher realms.  This exhibition of the sacred art of iconography presents this art form’s ability to translate the mystical world into the visible through the conventional media of egg tempera.

“The show is based on traditional Russian Byzantine iconography, but expands outward to explore extensions of the art form that depict Roman Catholic, Renaissance, Asian and Folk Art imagery,” Alfons Gallery’s director and curator, Valerie Christell, said.

Andrea Bowes’ and Katherine de Shazer’s religious icons, as de Shazer said, “reveal invisible truths through the sacred art of iconography, bringing inspiration, beauty and community to people of world faiths.”

Also included in this exhibition will be a display of the traditional materials involved in the creation of traditional religious icons.  This is the basis of the two presentations that the artists  will be giving on “The Creation of Religious Icons.” Presentations will be held Wednesday, February 11, at 6:00 p.m. in St. Joseph Hall, across from Alfons Gallery; and Wednesday, March 4, at 2:00 p.m. in the Maria Linden Apartments, Room 2025 (Enter through the St. Joseph Center lobby and follows signs to the presentation.)  The presentations are free, open to the public, and include an explanation of the use of egg tempera, the spiritual journey of iconographers and of religious painters, and the symbolism inherent in these types of artwork.

Alfons Gallery is located at St. Joseph Center, 1501 S. Layton Blvd. (27th Street and Greenfield Avenue) in Milwaukee. Free parking is available in the lot that is accessible on 29th and Orchard (Alexia Circle entrance). For more information on Alfons Gallery, please email vchristell@sssf.org, call 414-385-5273, or visit the Gallery’s website at www.sssf.org/gallery. The Gallery is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 12:00-3:00 p.m., and by appointment.

About Alfons Gallery

Alfons Gallery’s mission reflects the local and global work of the School Sisters of St. Francis.  Exhibitions explore cultures and advocate for social justice, peace and the environment through the artistic vision.  Special events aim to both educate and inspire viewers about our world and the impact every individual makes in it.

Our Cultural Shop’s mission is to expand cultural awareness and support artisans working in our global missions as well as fine craft artists working regionally.

About The School Sisters of St. Francis

The School Sisters of St. Francis are an international community of Catholic sisters who unite with others to build a just and peaceful world. Founded in 1874, they now have sisters, associates, staff, donors and volunteers actively working to address the needs of those who are poor and marginalized by society. Their mission is thriving throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America and India. For more information about the School Sisters of St. Francis, please visit www.sssf.org