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Detroit — On one level, Fr. J.J. Mech sees the Art for God’s Sake exhibit his parish is sponsoring as part of a long tradition of the Church encouraging Christian art.
“The Catholic Church has such an amazing history of utilizing art to catechize people and draw them closer to God,” says Fr. Mech, pastor of St. Anastasia Parish in Troy.
But he also wants to encourage another tradition — that of praying with art.
“I pray with art. I’ve always found art useful in my prayer life,” Fr. Mech says.
He says the primary goal of the May 13-15 exhibition is “to engage people so they can use art to grow closer to the Lord.”
St. Anastasia parishioners and others who visit the parish May 13-15 will find plenty of Christian art works inside parish buildings and on the grounds.
Many of the works on exhibit will also be for sale. And people can take part in a contest to win the large sculpture of the Blessed Trinity by Daniel Knaggs that is outside the buildings for their parish, in a competition sponsored by Mount Elliott Cemetery Association.
The three days of events and viewing opportunities also include a juried competition, as well as a high school art competition.
The call for submissions went out to not only local artists, but also those in other parts of the United States and other countries.
That brought in submissions from more than 130 arts from all over, says Christine Broses, chairperson for Art for God’s Sake.
Spectators can also see art being created right in front of their eyes if they come for one of the SPLAT! Experience sessions.
While the emphasis of the exhibit is on the visual arts, other aspects of art are also given some attention, with a new sacred music work featured during the concert portion and dance also included.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun — so many different things to do,” says Broses.
