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Global Nativities and Local Artists Headline Annual Holiday Exhibitions and Programs
CHICAGO, November 16, 2018 – Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) kick-starts its holiday celebrations with the return of its popular collection of nativities from around the world as well as six new works from local artists. Additionally, LUMA will display a series of works by Chicago artist David Lee Csicsko entitled The Art of the Season: David Lee Csicsko, an exhibition that features 20 new prints of saints in vibrant color, as well as a selection of black and white prints from Csicsko’s series Saints in the Garden. Both exhibitions are on view through Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Celebrating its 11th year as a Magnificent Mile holiday tradition, Art and Faith of the Crèche returns to LUMA to showcase more than 75 nativities from around the world. It features a selection of crèches curated from a collection of more than 550 works by artists from 126 countries. Donated to the museum by collectors James and Emilia Govan, the crèches illustrate the variety of ways artists across the globe depict the Nativity.
Friends of the museum are invited to sponsor a crèche and celebrate their heritage or the memory of a loved one. Crèche sponsorships help LUMA to care for this special collection and display this festive exhibition every holiday season. Details can be found here.
Continuing LUMA’s effort to place the local in conversation with the global, the museum has invited David Lee Csicsko to guest curate a special collection of six new crèches created by Chicagoland artists.
“The Christmas season in Chicago is always filled with festive celebrations, from concerts and theater to decorated department store windows and special museum exhibits,” said Csicsko. “LUMA’s annual holiday collection of nativity scenes has always been a favorite of mine. A few years ago, I was contemplating what it would look like to create and design my own crèche nativity.”
This grouping includes works by himself, Judie Anderson, Alfonsa Burcheri-Vistian, Steve Musgrave, Jan Petry, and Altan Arceo-Witzl, all of whom have created one-of-a-kind nativity scenes using media from wood to metal, mosaic, and papier-mâché.
“Each year’s Art and Faith of the Crèche is distinct from the last, with a combination of old favorites and new acquisitions,” said Natasha Ritsma, curator of LUMA. “We’re excited to
spotlight artists from our vibrant city by including locally made nativities specifically designed for this year’s exhibition.”
Csicsko is also featured in the museum’s Works on Paper Gallery with works from his The Art of the Season collection. His use of bold colors, stylized figures, and nature motifs makes his work instantly recognizable. The Art of the Season will debut 20 new color archival prints featuring The Nativity, St. Nicholas, St. Ignatius, and St. Margaret. A selection of pieces from Csicsko’s Saints in the Garden series (1990-1997) will also be on view.
For more information on these exhibitions, visit LUC.edu/luma.
Holiday Public Programs
The following events take place at LUMA, 820 N. Michigan Avenue. Visit LUC.edu/luma for a continuously updated list of programs.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade
Saturday, November 17, 2-6 p.m. Free to the public
Stop by LUMA to warm up before the parade! Enjoy hot chocolate and 15 percent off Museum Shop purchases.
Holiday Exhibit Reception Friday, November 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free to the public
Join LUMA members and staff to celebrate the opening of the holiday exhibitions: Art and Faith of the Crèche and David Lee Csicsko’s Art of the Season.
Artist Talk: David Lee Csicsko
Tuesday, December 4, 6-7 p.m. Free with admission
In conjunction with The Art of the Season, David Lee Csicsko will discuss the inspiration, motivation, and process for creating his highly recognizable, stylized prints. Csicsko’s work encourages viewers of all faiths to investigate the lives and legends of saints.
Holiday Card Making Workshop with David Lee Csicsko
Saturday, December 8, 1-3 p.m. Free with admission
Spread some holiday cheer by creating your own greeting cards to send to friends and family!
About LUMA
Founded in 2005 on the Water Tower Campus of Loyola University Chicago, The Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) is dedicated to exploring, promoting, and understanding art and artistic expression that illuminates the enduring spiritual questions of all cultures and societies. The museum is located on the Magnificent Mile in Lewis Towers, a historic 1926 Gothic Revival building. On permanent display is the Martin D’Arcy, S.J. Collection, one of the finest collections of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art in the Midwest. LUMA also features rotating exhibitions focusing on contemporary artists, highlighting social justice issues from across Chicago and around the world. For more information, visit the museum’s website at LUC.edu/luma.
Art illuminating the spirit!
-LUMA-
About LUMA
Opened in 2005, the Loyola University Museum of Art is dedicated to exploring, promoting, and understanding art and artistic expression that illuminates the enduring spiritual questions of all cultures and societies. As a museum with an interest in education and educational programming, LUMA reflects the University’s Jesuit mission and is dedicated to helping people of all creeds explore the roots of their faith and spiritual quests. Located at Loyola University Chicago’s Water Tower Campus, the museum occupies the first three floors of the University’s historic Lewis Towers on Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue. For more information, visit the museum’s website at LUC.edu/luma.
Art illuminating the spirit!
-LUMA-
