New Catholic Art Show to Air on CatholicTV

Starting September 6th, “Way Of Beauty” a new Catholic art show will debut on CatholicTV. The show is hosted by Oxford-educated David Clayton, currently Artist in Residence at Thomas More College in Merrimack, New Hampshire.

Way of Beauty takes a look at Catholic traditions in art as an expression of a Catholic worldview. Thomas More College established its Way of Beauty program to be taken by members of the freshman class. It draws on the principles articulated by figures from the early Church, such as Augustine which was drawn to our attention by John Paul II, Letter to Artists, and especially Benedict XVI who calls us to embrace the sacred arts.
Another component of the school’s effort to answer Pope Benedict XVI’s call for a rebirth of beauty and reverence in the liturgy, the school has been upgrading and improving the liturgical art of its chapel, which is situated within a converted 18th century farm building on the campus. This effort is being lead by David, who recently completed a six-foot painted wooden cross that now hangs over the College’s wooden altar. More about these efforts may be found at the school’s website: www.thomasmorecollege.edu
The series will air at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV cable outlets.

Way of Beauty will examine what constitutes a tradition and how it is taught and passed on so that it can respond to the times, while retaining its essential principles. The series will show how the style of these traditions can be related directly to the liturgy, theology, and philosophy of the Church.

Way of beauty will examine Catholic artistic traditions such iconography and sacred geometry, which are often seen in Catholic Churches. The series will also take a look at artistic traditions such as gothic and baroque.

Starting the week of September 6th, the weekly schedule for Way of Beauty will be as follows (all times Eastern): Tuesday-midnight; Wednesday-noon; Thursday-7:30 p.m.; Sat 3:30 p.m. and Sun 6:30 a.m.

Each week, a new, full-length episode of Way of Beauty will be added to the CatholicTV.com website. Starting the week of September 6th, simply visit http://www.CatholicTV.com/catholic-art

Painting as a Form of ‘Visual Prayer’? Artist Will Explain During CatholicTV Interview

On February 26^th, Christian artist Paul Crimi will be interviewed on the live CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”. Paul is a painter, printmaker, and sculptor who considers his artworks forms of “visual prayer”.

This is the Day will air at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV.

According to Paul’s website (http://www.paulcrimifinearts.com), Paul’s “inspiration comes from his travels throughout the United States and abroad as well as his personal ongoing study of modern masters from Matisse to Picasso to Hockney, and most significantly, from his devotion to his Catholic faith.”

“Paul Crimi produces illuminating religious tributes that are widely collected by people of all faiths and have been published in religious periodicals nationwide.”

"My work, since 1996, gives witness to an inner reflection of a true spiritual conversion, outwardly manifested is a positive expression of the power in the revelation of Jesus Christ . When I'm creating a piece, whether it's a drawing, a painting, or a print, it's a way for me to contemplate my blessings. I characterize each and every one of my works as a visual prayer.

"As a Christian and an artist, I agree with the words of William Blake, "The worship of God is honoring his gifts in other men, each according to his genius." All artists have come close to this kind of worship in their acknowledgement of the gifts of the masters. But it is only when one goes beyond himself as I have, in becoming part of the mystical body of Jesus Christ, that one really begins to see the real essence of truth.

Paul also says on his website that "Reading the Bible, which for me has become a living dialogue with Christ who is the Word, has opened up new visions beyond conceptual projections. My life, as a result, has changed in a positive way; I now can see beauty in reality and am able to invent new expressions for my artwork.

"I openly share my religious experience with others in my work. Visual prayer, for me, grows naturally and is projected spontaneously from within, taking an original form. I want viewers to rejoice with me in the witnessing of the power and grace of God, which is in all of us.”