Submissions are now being accepted for the 8th Catholic Arts Biennial, scheduled to open September 6 in the Verostko Center for the Arts at Saint Vincent College.
Established in 2001 by the late Brother Nathan Cochran, O.S.B., this biennial juried exhibition features contemporary artists whose work explores Christian themes. As with previous Biennials sponsored by Saint Vincent College and Archabbey, artwork is sought that fosters prayer and contemplation and therefore should be appropriate for use in public liturgy, churches, chapels, shrines and/or private domestic settings.
The Biennial will be on view at the Verostko Center for the Arts from September 6 to October 29, 2021, with an opening reception planned for Sunday, September 12.
David Brinker, director of the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA) at Saint Louis University will serve as the Biennial’s juror.
The 2021 Biennial encourages submissions that expand representations of Christ, the Virgin Mary, biblical narratives and the lives of saints beyond Euro-centric presentations. Artwork made by women and persons of color is strongly encouraged. In addition to depictions of traditional Christian subjects, artists are urged to submit work that addresses social concerns from perspectives of faith pertinent to the contemporary moment.
Artwork may engage in contemporary methods of making, quote from historical styles/time periods and/or employ multidisciplinary approaches as part of the artists’ studio practice.
Monetary prizes will be awarded for Best of Show, second place and third place, as well as four honorary mentions.
The juried exhibition is open to any artist, of any religious affiliation, aged 18 or older. All entries must be original works created by the submitting artists and executed within the past five years. Works submitted to the exhibition considered for previous Biennials hosted at Saint Vincent are ineligible.
Artists are asked to submit their work digitally through CaFÉ no later than Friday, June 25. Mailed submissions will not be accepted.
For more information, contact verostkocenter@stvincent.edu.
