New Stained-Glass Windows in Denver Area Evoke Presence of Angels

THE DENVER POST
By Colleen O'Connor

The Loreto Windows, "Angels in Festal Garb" by artist Scott Parsons

COLORADO---The church's new stained-glass windows, vibrant as jewels, illuminate the nine choirs of angels. Installed this spring, the windows are attracting attention from the larger community. They're the subject of the documentary "Angels Alleluia" that airs Sunday on Rocky Mountain PBS, and they've just won the 2014 award for religious art from the Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture, a branch of the American Institute of Architects. "Angels are constantly moving between heaven and Earth, and it's important for us to have the presence of angels be represented in this building," said Monsignor Edward Buelt, pastor of Our Lady of Loreto.[link]

Cowboy Artist, Gib Singleton Was Favorite of Roman Catholic Popes

VAIL DAILY
By Kimberly Nicoletti

Singletons "The Dove" is an anchor at the end of the gallery.

COLORADO---With the odds stacked against Gib Singleton, no one would have predicted what profound effect he would impress upon the art world. Even after Jacqueline Kennedy recruited him to restore Renaissance art lost to floods in Europe and the Vatican enlisted him to restore Michelangelo’s Pieta, Singleton still ended up often hungry, sleeping on beaches in Connecticut and selling his work on the streets of New York. Singleton’s bowed Christ on the cross so impressed the Vatican that popes since John Paul II carried it on their crosier. Singleton transferred that representation of woe to one of his last pieces before he died on Feb. 28, 2014. He depicted Abraham Lincoln after the Civil War, with shoulders slumped, knowing he was about to be assassinated. [link]

'Spiritual' Designs Spur Desert Hot Springs to Censor Religious Art

THE DESERT SUN
By Dave Nyczepir

This computer-generated image depicts some of the art that would have appeared on utility boxes. / Submitted by Yudit Ecsedy

COLORADO---Local artist Yudit Ecsedy faces what could be the Coachella Valley’s first city policy banning religious art in public places. The images of winged, haloed figures she calls only “spiritual” and proposed to grace utility boxes around Desert Hot Springs concern the City Council. That prompted a unanimous vote this week to revise the city’s public art policy to not allow what could be considered religious themes.[link]

Artemis Gallery Announces January Online Auction of Sacred & Pre-Columbian Art

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB

Antique Mexican Retablo - St. Francis, estimate $200-$300

COLORADO---Collectors have been purchasing religious artifacts for thousands of years and it is now even easier with online auctioning. On Friday,  January 24 at 11 am, the Artemis Gallery provides just such an opportunity for buying ancient, Pre-Columbian & Ethnographic art during their first online of 2014. The Artemis Gallery, based in Louisville, is a respected antiquities dealer specializing in Pre-Columbian, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Near Eastern, Far Eastern and Oceanographic art. Their inventory includes retablos, ancient pottery, stone, metal, glass, textile objects and Pre-Columbian art from South America, Central America and Mexico, as well as art from Greece, Italy, Rome, Egypt, the Middle East, China, India, Japan and the South Pacific.

'Muslim Journeys' Art Exhibit Portrays Islamic Culture at Colorado Museum

REPORTER HERALD
By James Garcia

"Muslim Woman in Mosque Courtyard" by Jeffris Elliott

COLORADO---An artistic exploration of the Islamic culture through the eyes of photographer Jeffris Elliott, titled "Muslim Journeys," will be on display at the Loveland Museum/Gallery, along with Middle Eastern textiles on loan from the Avenir Museum Collection of Fort Collins. The opening reception is 1-3 p.m. Saturday. Elliott's photographs were taken from 2004 to 2009 and are from his collection called "Another Face of Islam," which garnered him international attention, primarily from Europe. The display is in conjunction with the Loveland Public Library's Muslim Journeys Bookshelf, a project of the National Endowment for the Humanities Bridging Cultures initiative. [link]

Gay Believers Have a Long Way to Go, for the Freedom to Marry

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB

Over the last 10 years, Freedom to Marry (Foundation) has raised and invested over $33 million that helped win marriage in 12 states plus Washington, DC. While that tremendous progress has been celebrated by many religious groups, there is still a long way to go. To win the next wave of battleground states in Ohio, Illinois, Oregon, Hawaii, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado and California, the movement needs continued support. Because June is Gay Pride Month, this is a particularly good month to show your support, regardless of your faith tradition. Celebrate "Pride Month" and donate $10 or more today to Freedom to Marry: http://freedomtomarry.org/give-today

Call for Entries: Crypto-Judaic Artwork

JEWISH ART NOW 

COLORADO---HaLapid: Journal of the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies (SJCS) is seeking artistic submissions in the form of paintings, drawings, photographs, etc. to feature on the cover of its next volume. We invite artists’ submissions on a variety of themes pertaining to crypto-Judaism, crypto-Jews, and/or crypto-Jewishness. Send no more than 5 images in the form of jpeg files, along with a short bio (100-200 words) to: scjs@uccs.edu. Deadline for final submissions: July 1, 2013. [link]

Texas Exhibit Highlights Modern Islamic Art

DENTON RECORD-CHRONICLE
By

InterDisciplinary Experimental Art Program at Colorado College/Courtesy photo

TEXAS---Ayad Alkadi’s Third Eye — a work of acrylic, pen and stitched yarn on canvas — is in an exhibit of contemporary art from Islamic countries, now on display at the University of North Texas Art Gallery. Challenging the norms yet honoring the traditions of their Islamic heritage through their work, six contemporary artists will have pieces on display through March 30 at the University of North Texas Art Gallery. The exhibition features the work of six international artists: Azra Aksamija (Mas­sa­chusetts, Bosnia and Herze­govina), Ayad Alkadhi (New York, Iraq), Shoja Azari (New York, Iran), Reza Derakshani (Texas, Iran), Naiza H. Khan (Pakistan) and Soody Sharifi (Texas, Iran). [link]

Corey Drieth's Abstract Exhibit ‘Devotional’ on View in Montana

BILLINGS GAZETTE
By Jaci Webb

"Radha" (2011) by Corey Drieth. Gouache/Aquarel/Wood 9” x 9” x 1”

MONTANA---Northcutt Steele Gallery at Montana State University Billings is featuring the work of abstract artist Corey Drieth through Feb. 21. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Drieth’s solo exhibition titled “Devotional” consists of gouache paintings on wood that explore contemplative religious experiences through the manipulation of line, color, texture and scale. Drieth’s seemingly minimal works create complex, meditative illusions of light and space that reward close viewing. Drieth is an assistant professor of painting and drawing and co-director of the Visual Arts Program at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. He has an active record of solo and group exhibitions and is represented by the Jen Bekman Gallery in New York. He received his MFA from the University of North Carolina and his BFA in art and BA in philosophy/ comparative religious studies from Colorado State University. [link]

Indiana Town Joins December's New Holyday for NonBelievers

RELIGION NEWS
By Kimberly Winston

In addition to Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, secular humanists have added a new celebration to the crowded calendar. HumanLight, observed on or about Dec. 23, is a secular celebration of human potential that is growing in acceptance. This year, at least 18 groups, from New Jersey to Florida and Pennsylvania to Colorado, have ceremonies planned. And at least one government building that displays holiday scenes has added HumanLight to the roster: the county courthouse in Wabash, Ind., displays a yellow, white and red HumanLight banner on the same lawn as the Christian creche. [link]

Colorado's Third Annual "Religious Fine Art Show" in the Abbey Monastery

DENVER POST

Sculpted cross included in the exhibiton. Image courtesy of Arts SA.

COLORADO---Third annual "Religious Fine Art Show" in the Abbey Monastery through Sept. 30. More than 80 pieces of art by 25 local artists are included. Admission is free. Artist reception: 5-7 p.m. Sept. 14, tickets are $10 and include refreshments. Proceeds benefit the restoration of the Abbey Bell Tower. 2951 E. Highway 50, Canon City, 719-275-8631 [link]

Retrospective of African Artist El Anatsui Opens at the Denver Art Museum this September

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS

El Anatsui, Sacred Moon, 2007. Aluminum and copper wire; 103 x 141 in.
Photo courtesy Jack Shainman Gallery.

COLORADO - The Denver Art Museum opens "El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa" on  September 9, 2012. It is the first retrospective of El Anatsui’s work, and this exhibition includes important sculptures in wood, ceramic and mixed media as well as major pieces from his metal cloth series. The approximately 65 works cover his career, from his early work in Ghana utilizing traditional symbols, to driftwood pieces he created in Denmark to sculptured chainsaw carvings. The exhibition runs through December 30, 2012. [link]

'The Cross in Space' Real Time Satellite Tracking

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS

COLORADO -- The Cross in Space, can now be tracked in real time as it orbits and passes over all the earth. The cross is made from the cross Arthur Blessitt has carried around the world in 319 nations, island groups and territories. The Celestis11/Falcon 9 satellite was launched May 22nd 2012 from Cape Canaveral, Fl. It orbits at an altitude of 165-196 miles (265-315km) and orbits the earth every 90 minutes. It should remain in orbit for about one year. For more info about the cross in space and to view in real time the cross in orbit go to: www.blessitt.com and click "View the Earth Orbit"

Siona Benjamin at Denver's Mizel Museum on May 17, 18 & 20

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS

Image courtesy of press release

COLORADO - Siona Benjamin, a Jewish painter originally from India now living in New Jersey, comes to Denver’s Mizel Museum for a three-day residency from May 17-19, each day highlighting a particular facet of this multi-dimensional artist. Benjamin begins the residency as the guest speaker at one of the museum’s popular Salon Nights on Thursday, May 17, 5:30 p.m. Siona Benjamin’s work reflects her background being raised Jewish in Hindu and Muslim cultures in India. Her paintings combine the imagery of her past with the role she plays in America today, creating mosaics inspired by both Indian miniature paintings and Sephardic icons. For more information, visit http://www.mizelmuseum.org or call 303-394-9993.

Denver Christians mourn Tebow’s departure, say they’ll root from afar

CNN
By Dan Merica

COLORADO – When star quarterback Peyton Manning signed with the Denver Broncos this week, Denver pastor Jim Mackey signed at the thought that Tim Tebow probably wouldn’t be wearing Broncos blue and orange next season. The Broncos don’t need two star quarterbacks and the New York Jets announced Wednesday that Tebow is now theirs. “It is an emotional thing and a bit more emotional for people who have connected with Tebow’s expression of faith,” Mackey said. “Rather than just a QB controversy, which is not unique in the NFL, this does seem to have hit more of a personal nerve for those in the Christian community.” [link]

Today's Holy-day Art (LENT, day #23) "The Pieta" (2011) by Teenagers in Colorado

THE GAZETTE
By Maria St. Louis-Sanchez

Constance Mahon, 16, and Nicholas Mahon, 15 portray Mary and Jesus
in a living version of Michelangelo's sculpture, "The Pieta"

Johnny Johnston combines abstract art and religion (CO)

REPORTER-HERALD
By Kenneth Jessen

Inspired by Archangel Rapheal by John Johnston

COLORADO -Art is often the reflection of the artist's life -- be happy or filled with tragedy. After just three years of marriage, Johnny Johnston's wife died in his arms. His art is a reflection of the healing process with his deep commitment to his Christian faith. Religious art is typically highly representational and often depicts individuals that are prominent in biblical stories. It is rare indeed that this type of art would take an abstract form as created by Johnston. Even though painting started as a cathartic release, his colorful forms have found a market. [link]

Tebow's Testimony: America's #1 Evangelical Plays NFL Football

TIME
By Jon Meacham

Illustration by Joe Magee for TIME

COLORADO - This season, with each cliff-hanging win or dismal loss for the Denver Broncos, [Tim] Tebow, an active, professing Evangelical Christian, has used his gifts and his position as quarterback to create a powerful 21st century witness for Jesus. What is new and what makes Tebow an intriguing figure--no matter how the Broncos do in the playoffs they just barely made--is the scale and scope of his witness. Tebow is perhaps the most significant Evangelical Christian in the country. Tebow's witness is the latest chapter in a decades-old Evangelical movement to transform America. [link]

Happy :Thanksgiving" 2011

"Thanksgiving"
John Currin (b. Colorado, 1962)
C. 2003, Ink and Gouache on Paper, 15" x 18"
Location: Sadies Cole, London, England and Gagosian, NYC

Colorado Art Museum Honors Patron Saint of Artists with "Windows to the Divine"

AOA NEWS

"Virgin with Child" by Tatiana Grant

COLORADO - The Madden Museum in Greenwood Village (near Denver) hosts the juried exhibition, "Windows to the Divine" through December 3. The exhibition is part of the year-long program, Fra Angelico Celebration of Art & Spirituality sponsored by the Colorado Dominican Vocation Foundation and inspired in part by a letter from Pope John Paul ll to artists in 1999. The exhibition of over 100 works is billed by the foundation as, "the most comprehensive juried exhibit of spiritual art in the country" and includes  many spiritual paths, including artists from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Native American traditions. The Madden Museum exhibit is located in the Palazzo Verdi Building (next to Fiddler's Green Amphitheater) at 6363 S. Fiddler's Green Circle in Greenwood Village, Colorado.