Family-Friendly Christmas Creches Exhibition Returns to Alfons Gallery

MILWAUKEE - Nov. 25, 2015 - PRLog -- The season of Advent presents a perfect opportunity to enjoy an art exhibition while getting into the Christmas spirit. Alfons Gallery, 1501 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, is continuing the long-standing commitment of the School Sisters of St. Francis to the arts by presenting “The Crèche in Art and Cultures,” on view November 29, 2015 through January 3, 2016.

“This year’s exploration of the crèche culture through traditional and contemporary Nativity sets from around the world encompasses a range of artistic engagement and cultural reflections, said Valerie J. Christell, Alfons Gallery’s Director and Curator. “Pieces gathered from School Sisters of St. Francis’ global mission work are displayed alongside sets from various eras and places throughout the United States.   Also included is a rare Lenox China crèche that has been graciously loaned by a local collector.

“This exhibition’s presentation of many depictions of the Nativity story by cultures across the globe allows for an enlightening and meaningful experience in the spirit of the holidays,” Christell said.

The University of Dayton Marian Library has once again offered assistance with documentation from their International Collection, making it possible for Alfons Gallery to include additional images of and background information about the crèches that came from our sisters’ mission locations.

About Alfons Gallery

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.

Gallery hours are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday 12:00-3:00 p.m., and by appointment.

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.

About The Marian Library, Dayton, Ohio

Recognized as the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of printed materials on the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Marian Library at the University of Dayton aims to further study and research to promote a well-founded devotion to Mary. It is home to an art gallery devoted to contemporary religious art, especially Marian art, and to a museum focused on the display of more than 900 Nativity scenes from the Library’s Crèche Collection.

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.