What We Value / The Arts

The Arts

For Dominicans, the Order of Preachers, art has always been one way of fulfilling their charism of preaching. Preaching means to “publicly proclaim;” the oral preacher and the artist both do this. In each case the individual taps into her inner creative spirit, entering prayerfully into the source of inspiration, and contemplating and proclaiming the truth.

The creative process is present to both those who preach orally and those who preach visually. Working through the process transforms the artist, inspires a work, and ultimately reaches its fulfillment in engaging the audience – the other participant in the process.

The history of Dominican artists is rich. The beauty created by the humble Dominican friar, Fra Angelica, is world renowned. Contemporary Dominicans continue to produce locally, nationally and internationally. The new chapel at St. Mary of the Springs is a stirring example of Sr. Thoma Swanson's artistry in stained glass. To support each other in this ministry, Dominican artists are organizing in ways that suit their contemporary world, encouraging one another to listen to the Spirit’s call to preach with the gifts God has given them. One example of such collaboration is the Dominican Institute for the Arts (DIA).

• The Artist, Image of God the Creator (Letter Pope John Paul II to Artists, 1999)
• The Artist Within the Christian Community (Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture, and Worship: Guidelines of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops)