Swope to display art by Sisters of Providence

Just a little more than a year ago, the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods began making preparations for their 175th anniversary.

As discussions took place, the committee tasked with setting up the celebration began conversing about the possibility of displaying various artistic pieces of many sisters, specifically at the Swope Art Museum, 25 S. 7th St., Terre Haute.

“This would be an opportunity for people to see the work that we have,” Sister Paula Damiano said.

After discussing the idea with representatives from the museum, the possibility has become a reality.

“Art and Grace: Celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the Sisters of Providence,” will officially open from 6 to 9 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 2.

During the opening reception, Sister Paula will offer a presentation at 7 p.m.

The exhibit will be on display until Jan. 2, 2016, according to museum officials.

According to museum collections manager/preparator Edward Trover, a total of 63 pieces will be on display.

“We’re really excited about this show,” Trover said.

The exhibit, according to Trover, will explore the connection between creativity and spirituality.

It will span three rooms on the second floor of the museum, while featuring the work of Sister Jody O’Neill, Sister Rita Ann Roethele, Sister Adelaide Ortegel, Sister Esther Newport, Sister Edith Pfau and Sister Sophia Chen, among others, including the sketch books of Sister Saint Francis Xavier – a dear friend of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.

“We’re really excited that the exhibit will span the entire Congregation,” Sister Paula said.

During the process of deciding on what pieces would be on display in the exhibit, Sister Paula said she and representatives of the museum walked the halls of the many buildings at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to select the pieces of art.

The museum also has scheduled related programs to the exhibit, which will take place in October and November.

From 1 to 3 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 10, the museum will offer “Second Saturday Studio: Collage,” in which participants will be able to make collages inspired by Sister Jody’s work in the exhibit.

In addition, from 1 to 3 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 14, the museum will offer “Second Saturday Studio: Still Lifes,” where participants will be able to create a still life inspired by the art in the exhibit.

And, at 3:30 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 14, the museum will offer “Community Conversations: Spirituality,” in which those taking part will delve into a conversation about the connection between creativity and spirituality, which inspired the exhibit.

The exhibit is sponsored by the HSC Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and noon to 5 p.m., on Saturdays. The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.