FRA ANGELICO CELEBRATION OF ART & SPIRITUALITY
& WINDOWS TO THE DIVINE ®

The CDVF celebrates the legacy of Fra Angelico, the patron of artists and a member of the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans, in the early fifteenth century, by hosting the Fra Angelico Celebration of Art & Spirituality. The focus of this unique Celebration is the "Windows to the Divine"® Art Exhibition and Sale which is held every other year in Denver. Over 120 works of original art by local, regional, and national artists are displayed along with a personal statement from the artist about the connection for him/her between art and spirituality. The mission of the exhibition is to honor the special calling of artists and to create opportunities for people of diverse traditions to understand better the sacred nature of all creation.

Windows to the Divine® is one-of-a-kind in the breadth and spectrum of work exhibited as “spiritual art.” The content of the juried show is not confined to explicitly religious or sacred subjects, but also includes diverse styles ranging from representational to realistic to contemporary and traditional ethnographic. Many spiritual paths are represented, including artists and subject matter from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Native-American traditions. In addition to raising funds through art for the Novitiate, the Fra Angelico Celebration promotes the vocation of the friar and the artist and invites people of different faiths to acknowledge and articulate the close unity between art and spirituality. By sponsoring "Windows to the Divine,"® the CDVF hopes to inspire all people to reflect upon the connections between art, especially the visual arts, and the broader spiritual journey of individuals, communities and cultures.

In 2009, Windows to the Divine® was exhibited at the MADDEN Museum in Greenwood Village from Friday, October 2, 2009, until Friday, October 23, 2009. In 2011, the location is TBD. To learn more about this event and make reservations, visit the Fra Angelico Celebration under our Upcoming Events.

The 2010 Fra Angelico Celebration includes the following events:

WINDOWS TO THE DIVINE® COLLECTORS' SALON SERIES

Are you a new or seasoned collector of art? Would you like to know more about collecting art, but don’t know who to ask? Come to the CDVF Windows to the Divine® Collector Salons hosted by Metro/Mountain area art galleries throughout the year. The Salons feature a presentation on the history of art followed by a panel discussion with artists and experts. In 2010, the Collectors' Salons will be hosted by Evergreen Fine Art Gallery, Saks Galleries, and 1261 Gallery as follows:

Evergreen Fine Art Gallery: Quang Ho and Kevin Weckbach
"Dueling Paintbrushes"

On Saturday, May 22, 2010, the CDVF and Evergreen Fine Art Gallery hosted a Windows to the Divine Collectors’ Salon in Evergreen, Colorado from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM. After enjoying high tea and a preview of a new one-man show by artist, Kevin Weckbach, new and experienced collectors viewed a comprehensive art history visual presentation followed by a panel discussion with renowned artists, Quang Ho and Kevin Weckbach about famous artists who influenced their works. The sold-out standing-room-only crowd of artists and collectors were then captivated by a unique never before done quick-draw demonstration in which Ho & Weckbach both painted on the same canvas. The Ho/Weckbach one-of-a-kind work of art was then auctioned for the benefit of the CDVF.

Saks Galleries: A TOAST TO THE OLD MASTERS

On Saturday, June 19, 2010, the CDVF and Saks Galleries in Cherry Creek hosted a unique educational salon for art lovers and collectors that focused on a tribute to the Old Masters and famous American collectors. After enjoying confections and champagne while viewing 18th and 19th century American & European paintings, guests heard and viewed three educational presentations:

(1) "Art History & Collecting" by Shannon Robinson;
(2) "Influence of the Old Masters" by Artist, Ron Hicks; and
(3) "The Samuel H. Kress Collection: A Great American Legacy" by Angelica Daneo, Associate Curator, Painting & Sculpture, Denver Art Museum.

Ms. Daneo discussed the contributions and impact of the donations by Samuel Kress on museums around the country, including the Denver Art Museum.