Creative expression is a process in which one touches spirituality continually, for in creativity we begin to know the Creator. As we share the beauty and manifestation of new ideas and forms we explore the potential of ourselves and see the greater self. Art is not a metaphor for creation, it is the continuation of its presence. I most fervently want to impart the spirit of joyous union that comes from the concentration on this spiritual and beautiful journey.

Since my early teens, I have been interested and active artistically. Initially I was sketching, doing basic carpentry and tailoring, each tutored or encouraged by my family. Gradually it became a part of my interests that occupied much of my time and my apparent interest became more of my focus.

Since that early interest, four decades ago, I have produced a large and varied volume of works. The archive and collection of my works include: More than one thousand Liturgical Vestments, and at least the same number of watercolors, as well as a thousand prints. Throughout the years of study in undergraduate and graduate school I explored and worked in metals, ceramics, oil paintings, acrylic painting, and sculpture, these were accomplished together with watercolors and fabric works. For more than two decades these and other art works occupied my time, accompanied my teaching career, and my vocation as an Augustinian Brother.

As I grow and mature in my adult life all of these artistic activities are companions in developmental skills, technical skills, and intellectual growth. My yearning for greater depth and authenticity emerges and is fueled by spiritual life.

In the last twenty years I am inviting my spirit voice to emerge through painting, and iconography. My productivity is self-propelled, and I am choosing to channel as much as possible through myself by working and creating artworks. The sheer volume of time and focus begins to polish and refine my many projects.

Gradually and continuously I am beginning to be more the expression, rather than the maker of expressions. In so saying I am describing a Transformative process that was begun in my spiritual and artistic foundations that evolved into the path I have certainly begun to follow instinctively at this time. The seeking within, and liturgical education that harvested in my ordination to the priesthood was significantly instrumental in all that I do now.

My “style” or manner of expression is an ever-changing image that grows simpler, and visually more accessible to the viewer. I am in a constant activity with respect to one or the other of my artistic expressions. Like prayer, it is now an entirely integrated part of my personal and professional commitment.

   

 

M. E. Bilisnansky-McMorrow is a graduate of Moore College of Art in Philadelphia. Over the years, she has done wearable art, ceramics, stained glass, mosaics, and most recently painting and iconography. For years she painted one-of-a-kind furniture for Mary Donald Floorcloths and was later represented by Ms. Donald for her own designs.

She began Ground Dogs Inc. in 1989. At that time, her designs consisted mostly of hand painted, one-of-a-kind floorcloth portraits of dogs. These were sold nationally at exclusive boutiques and gift shops, including Mabel's of Madison Avenue in New York.

As their popularity increased, M.E. looked for a means of manufacturing one of the most popular designs, the Golden Retriever, and connected with Toland Enterprises, Inc. At that time, doormats were just that...doormats. They did not have the decorative qualities of the ones on the market today. Due to its uniqueness, Ms. Bilisnansky-McMorrow's first mat was an instant success . A licensing contract with Toland ensued, during which time thousands of doormats, pillows, banners, and computer mousepads were sold not only nationally, but internationally as well. Her designs have appeared in countless catalogues and magazines, and she even appeared on Joan Rivers' "Can We Shop" TV show painting Ms. Rivers' beloved Yorkies, Spike and Veronica.

A lover of nature and animals since birth, M.E. continues to create designs of the subjects she loves the most, which at the moment includes cows. In addition to pursuing her current passion of icon writing under the tutelage of Father Richard Cannuli of Villanova University, she is also teaching calligraphy and painting at the university.

 
   

 

A graduate of Moore College of Art and Design (BFA, Graphic Design), Judy Mitchell has worked within the field since 1973. Prior to marriage and subsequently raising seven children, she worked in both corporate and retail advertising. Being a firm advocate of educational excellence, her seven sons, now ranging in age from 31 to 15 years, were all, at some point in their developmental years, attenders of "Mommy School," either for the summer months or for the entire school year.

When the youngest child began to attend school, Judy returned to her alma mater to catch up on the technology that had entered the graphic design world during her child rearing years. A year later she launched Judy Mitchell Graphic Design, a freelance home business which provides all types of graphic design services for web or print media. Last fall, Lessons on Liberty: A Primer for Young Patriots, which she co-authored and illustrated, was published.

Besides being a wife, mother and doing design work, Judy loves all things domestic: cooking, gardening, knitting, and quilting. She is learning to play piano and enjoys walks with her wonderful Springer Spaniel (and only girl), Annie (on the left).

 

 

 

 

Susan Kelly vonMedicus was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was educated at the following institutions:

Mater Misericordia Academy
The Baldwin School
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
The Prosopon School of Iconology
At the Prosopon School of Iconology, Susan studied the traditional discipline of iconography under master iconographer Vladislav Andrejev. She currently coordinates and teaches beginning students for the Philadelphia Iconography Workshop of the Prosopon School. Susan's work is in public and private collections internationally and she accepts commissions, exhibits, and lectures.

In 2000, a book of her illuminations, Letters from Heaven, an Illuminated Alphabet was published by Conciliar Press of Ben Lomond, California. Susan has reviewed books for Living Church magazine and made commissioned artwork for two musical recordings.

Married and the mother of three sons, she lives and works in the Philadelphia area creating artwork and keeping a garden, chickens and bees.
 

 

Born: 1958 Denver Colorado. Attended Escuela Nacional de Pintura y Grabado "La Esmeralda" 1988-1994 Mexico D.F. Graduating with a bachelors degree in Arts. Exhibiting on both sides of the border since 1994. Abandoning contemporary art in 2007 for traditional New Mexican folk art, using materials, methods, and iconography which are over 200 years old.
2008: George O'Bryan workshop (Northern New Mexican, 19th Century wood working techniques). Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico

2007 Charlie Carrillo workshop, Santa Fe, New Mexico

1988-1994: Escuela National de Pintura y Grabado "La Esmeralda" Mexico, D.F.

SELECTED SOLO SHOWS:

2006: Galleria Velasco, Mexico City

2003: Galleria Tonalli, Mexico City

1998: La Panaderia, Mexico City

SELECTED GROUP SHOWS:

2008: Selected to participate in Traditional and Winter Markets, Spanish Colonial Arts Society, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santos with a Twist, CHAC Gallery, Denver, Colorado

2007: Spanish Art Market, Pikes Peak Community College, Colorado Springs, Colorado

2006: Never Leaving Azltan, Museo de las Americas, Denver, Colorado

Septima Biennal Monterrey, Monterrey, N.L. Mexico

1998: Il Salon de Artes Visuales Seccion Bidimensional, Centro de las Artes, Mexico City

1996: South West 96 Museum of Fine Arts/Museum of New Mexico, Santa Fe, New Mexico

1995: CO Visions Recognition Awards, Denver, Colorado