World Faiths Connect Through Art

The Contemporary Catholic Tradition on View at Merrimack College

Watercolors, religious icons and stained glass by world-known artist and Augustinian priest Richard J. Cannuli will be on view at Merrimack College’s Thagaste Gallery from January 23 to March 22, 2018.

This will be the final exhibit in a three-part series called “The Three Faiths.” The series has included selected art from the three major Abrahamic religions: Islamism, Judaism, and now, Catholicism. The current exhibit, “The Contemporary Catholic Tradition,” will feature approximately 30 of Cannuli’s works.

Cannuli is a trained fine artist who holds an MFA from Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute and has participated in advanced studies at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. In addition, he has formally studied iconography.

Cannuli is known for his complex, painted wood works. Known as icons, they serve as visual prayers and are meant to aid in religious devotion. He has received icon commissions from various parishes and private individuals and, in 2013, the Augustinian order commissioned him to create “San Augustin de Hippo” as a gift for Pope Francis.

Watercolors by this artist have rarely been seen in public because Cannuli considers them private musings — done, on site, during his travels, for his personal enjoyment. The exhibit at Merrimack College thus offers a particularly rare opportunity. Additionally, the artist will be present at the reception on January 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Both exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

Thagaste Gallery
Merrimack College
North Andover, Mass.
(978) 837-5355
Merrimack.edu/academics/rogers/thagaste-gallery