When Kim Johnson enters her home after a difficult day at work solace is awaiting in the art she loves.
On one wall might be a portrait of the Virgin Mary, on another a stunning work by Catholic artist Maximilian Kolbe.
For Johnson, her Prairieville house has become her prayer inspired by the abundance of Catholic artwork sprinkled throughout her home.
“I’m having a tough day and I walk past Maximillian and I pray,” Johnson said. “Only because he’s on the wall am I thinking about him.
“It’s very comforting to walk into your house to see the picture of Mary, to see the picture of Maximilian. It’s almost like (those depicted in the artwork) are reaching out to you in prayer.”
Johnson was one of nearly 200 lovers of spiritual art who attended the Catholic Art Showcase on May 6 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Prairieville. Co-hosted by the St. Louis IX Art Society and The Franciscan Experience, the showcase featured eight south Louisiana artists displaying their work.
Each artist had their own separate mini-gallery where they talked about their artistic creations, whether it was a painting, sculpture, woodworking or icon, as well as explaining how the Holy Spirit inspires their work.
“This is breathtaking, awe-inspiring,” said Baton Rouge resident Michaela York. “The artists are so gifted. I don’t know if it makes you love God more but it’s amazing.”
The evening included a presentation from Dr. Jordan Haddad, a professor at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and co-founder of the St. Louis IX Art Society. Patrons enjoyed a classic musical trio and food.
Additionally, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in St. Francisville pastor Father Brad Doyle and Holy Rosary Church in St. Amant deacon assistant Deacon Michael Parker served as celebrity bartenders at separate bars, with each served their own special concoction. Father Doyle offered up a “Whiskey Priest” while Deacon Parker served a “Diakonia Breeze.”
Early returns indicated both drinks were well received.
The eight artists were all from south Louisiana, with at least three having Baton Rouge roots. One of the artists, Blair Gordy Piras, a native of St. Francisville, was taught by Father Ryan Hallford, pastor at Holy Family Church in Port Allen, who was beaming with pride at his former student.
“This is unbelievable,” said Renee Giffin, a Baton Rouge resident. “I never knew this much talent existed in our area. It has opened my eyes.”
She said having Catholic art in one’s house presents an opportunity to evangelize when guests visit. She said the art would provide visitors a sense of what the Catholic faith is all about.
“You give them a taste of the beauty of what the pictures are and allow them to ask questions (about the faith),” she said.
Johnson, one of the event’s sponsors, said she believes area Catholics should promote local artists. She said one might often think of going to Europe or France to see rich Catholic art without realizing the immense talent so close to home.
Wouldn’t it be beautiful to have a Catholic art museum (in Baton Rouge)? There are enough artists,” York mused.
Along with Piras, also featured were Baton Rouge woodworking artist Andrew Coleman, Deborah Luke, a 1971 graduate of Dominican College in New Orleans and now a Baton Rouge resident, New Orleans artist and craftsman Norman Faucheux, who works can be found in many churches throughout the diocese, including St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland in Albany, where he played a major role in the church’s redesign; New Orleans artist and iconographer Raymond Calvert; Lafayette native Jaclyn Warren; Barbara Brocato, originally from Brooklyn who now lives on the North Shore of New Orleans; and Jacob Zumo, a Baton Rouge resident.