Public Affairs

As the Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council in October, Catholic University’s Department of Art announces a new exhibit, featuring the work of artists inspired by the spirit of the changing Church.

Examining art objects dating from the 1940s through the 1970s in conjunction with historic photographs and publications, the exhibit traces developments of liturgical art and design in response to the 1962 council. This response, according to Associate Professor Nora Heimann, chair of the Department of Art, was often a creative expression of an “enlivened spirit” in the Church, particularly as part of the ecumenical liturgical movement of the 20th century.

Celebrating Vatican II: A Spirited Response in Art and Design is curated by prominent liturgical designer and artist Willy Malarcher (M.F.A. 1957), assisted by art history senior Emma Marty and Professor Heimann. Its opening coincides with the second day of a four-day symposium on Vatican II hosted by Catholic University.

The exhibit and opening reception are free and open to the public. For more information about the exhibit, contact Alison Lipari in the art department at 202-319-5282 or lipari@cua.edu. Individuals requesting accommodations for disabilities should contact cua-access@cua.edu at least one week in advance.