Ave Explores: Art and Architecture
On April 15, 2019, millions of people from around the world watched in horror as the grand spire of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris burned to the ground. The Gothic masterpiece, which dates to the twelfth century, became a rallying point for people of all faiths. Millions of dollars were raised for the cathedral’s restoration in the weeks following the fire.
On the first anniversary of the fire, Ave Explores: Art and Architecture with Katie Prejean McGrady and a team of experts in the fields of art, architecture, and iconography reflect on the importance of art and beauty to the Catholic faith. You'll see the place Catholic art plays in the world today and learn from Catholic artists how their work has brought them closer to God.
Art and Architecture Podcast Episodes
Explore by the Week
Click the button below to view a list of resources that offer additional information on virtual museum tours and art exhibits. View Now
The Importance of Beauty in Catholicism
It's no coincidence that Ave Explores: Art and Architecture began on the first anniversary of the devastating fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Beauty plays an important role in the Catholic faith: Paintings, mosaics, statues, stained glass windows, and the buildings where we worship play an important role in what we believe and how we live our faith. The art and architecture of the Church articulate beauty as a way to understand God and grow in relationship with him.
Videos
Articles
Captivating Beauty
by Katie Prejean McGrady Her little eyes lit up, darting left and right as she turned into a living bobblehead doll, taking in all the details of...
Read MoreDreaming a Catholic Aesthetic
The Power of Art to Transform by J.D. Childs “Beauty is a key to the mystery and a call to transcendence. It is an invitation to savour life and t...
Read MoreThe Faith in Architecture
Have you ever wondered why grocery stores are designed like boxes and cathedrals shaped like a cross? How do these spaces influence how we feel, what we learn, and how we behave? This week, our experts examine how church buildings reflect the sacredness and beauty of our faith.
Podcasts
Videos
Articles
St. Peter's Bones and the Beauty of the Catholic Faith
by Deacon Andy DeRouen After two years of architecture school, countless turns of the pencil sharpener and bottles of clear tacky glue emptied bet...
Read MoreThe Church Building as a Sacred Place
by Duncan G. Stroik We say that a church building is “sacred.” Why do we call it that? Perhaps it is because a church is a place of prayer, a place...
Read MoreCreativity Today
When we think of art in the Catholic Church, we may picture ancient and classical art. While these certainly continue to influence our faith today, so too do contemporary Catholic artists who are ushering in a new renaissance through painting, video, photography, illustrations, sculpture, jewelry, and other media.
Videos
Articles
Faith Shines Forth
by Jen Norton “Hail Mary, Full of Grace,” Jen Norton, 2013 I never set out to be a Catholic artist. I didn’t even know that was a thing. Probabl...
Read MoreSacred Art is Ever Ancient, Ever New
by Daniel Mitsui “The Glorious Mysteries,” Mysteries of the Rosary, Daniel Mitsui In the year 787 an ecumenical council was held in Nicaea, the ...
Read MoreArt in Life
You may not believe it, but everyone has an inner artist that they can use to help creatively evangelize others in the Catholic faith. It’s also possible to experience the beauty of Catholic art, not only in the church buildings where we worship but also in our own homes.
Videos
Articles
Your Art, No Matter How Good, Communicates God to Others
by Ali Hoffman Five years ago I started an Instagram account, The Oodles of Doodles, as a new year’s resolution to get better at hand lettering. Fo...
Read MoreHoly Reminders of What Really Matters
by Emily Jaminet “Sacred Heart of Jesus” Copyrighted Classic Image by Adolfo SimeoneUsed by permission from Cromo NB Italy When we graduated f...
Read More
