Denver chancery to offer sacred art exhibit

Denver, Colo., Mar 6, 2010 / 12:10 pm

An exhibit of sacred works by a Denver artist depicting Lenten and Easter themes ranging from the passion of Christ through Pentecost, will be on display at the John Paul II Center starting next week.

The show, which is sponsored by the Denver Archdiocese’s Office of Liturgy, will begin with a reception from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. March 11 where patrons and guests will be able to view the paintings and watch the artist, Devin Montagne, create a work during the event. Denver Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley will open the reception with a prayer followed by a brief presentation on artisans in the life of the Church.

Themes the paintings depict include the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and Pentecost. Also included will be a painting of Pope John Paul II.

Deacon Charles Parker, director of the Liturgy Office, said his office is pleased to offer the exhibit.

“The Office of Liturgy has always supported the promotion of sacred art and sacred music in the archdiocese,” he said. “We’ve held shows similar to this in the past and thought it was time to continue that tradition. Montagne is an artist of national standing and has had his work displayed at many parishes throughout the archdiocese. We’re delighted to display some of his work here.”

A Littleton native, Montagne has made his living as an artist by both the traditional method of paint and brush and by performance art. A performance artist paints with his hands but not using a brush. During World Youth Day 1993, he created an image of the icon of Our Lady of the New Advent through performance art.

A visit to his Web site, www.montagneministries.com, allows people to view examples of his art in acrylic, oil and chalk drawings on pavement. His work has been displayed at many churches across the archdiocese, including St. Jude, St. Frances Cabrini, Light of the World, St. Thomas More, Joan of Arc and Sts. Peter and Paul. This is the first time his work will be displayed at the JPII Center. Like many artists, he’s had a life-long passion for drawing and painting in the realm of sacred art.

“I would always draw,” he said, “anything that would inspire me.”

The work of art Montagne will create during the reception will be auctioned off at the end of the evening. Other paintings may also be purchased at the end of the show.

Montagne said the time it takes to create a work varies depending on the complexity of the subject.

“The canvas I’ll be working on that evening will measure 3-feet by 4-feet,” he said. “It could take an hour to produce, maybe a bit longer.”

For more information, email: info@archden.org

Printed with permission from the Denver Catholic Register.