An art show at Good Shepherd Gallery in Ferguson, Missouri, displays the works of Sister Elizabeth Slenker, OP. The exhibit is titled God’s Creative Diversity. The show opened to the public with a cake cutting ceremony on Saturday, November 26th, to celebrate the first birthday of Good Shepherd Gallery.
Art show features animals
The art show features watercolors of animals. Sr. Elizabeth maintains that, as humans, we are required to do all that we can to promote safe habitat for the rest of God’s wonders with whom we share the planet. Her body of work is a testament to that belief.
Fr. Joe Olickan, a novice with Oblates Mary Immaculate (OMI), came to the show with other novices from different Catholic orders in the area. They are part of a group called the Intercommunity Novitiate. The novices have a free day once a month; they decided to make the art opening their outing for November.
“OMI novices are looking at biodiversity through our spiritual teachings. We have studied Laudato Si and have completed an Eco Literacy program. This art show fits right in with our teachings on Creation,” Fr. Joe said.
Sr. Sharon O’Grady, RGS, said, “Sr. Elizabeth’s paintings show us how whole and diverse and alive Creation is.”
Sr. Ana Gonzalez, a novice with Dominican Sisters of Peace, said, “Sr. Elizabeth paints beautiful watercolors and is also good with clay, wood and mosaics. She makes the best pies too. She is an artist in the full extension of the word.”
One of the guests attending the art opening bought Sr. Elizabeth’s watercolor of river otters. Vivian Resch said, “This painting is my friend’s favorite one in the exhibit. I bought it for him as a present for Christmas, New Years, Easter, everything!”
Vivian didn’t know it at the time she bought the painting, but the river otters also happen to be the artist’s favorite painting.
Sr. Glynis McManamon, founder of Good Shepherd Gallery, said, “Sr. Elizabeth’s work is filled with life and light. Her animals come alive, and they are precious. I feel grateful that in just one year we have had four exhibits that have been rich and varied.”
God’s Creative Diversity is on display at Good Shepherd Gallery through December 10. The gallery is located at 252 S. Florissant Road, Ferguson, MO.
You can read more about Sr. Elizabeth at http://www.diartsop.org/Elizabeth-Slenker-oP.html.
