Artist discusses moving experience

A large crowd turned out for a pair of special events at the Grand Coteau Centre on Friday.

More than 50 people gathered in the art gallery in the afternoon for a presentation by Louise Tessier, the artistswho curated a group exhibition entitled “Moved by the Spirit: Artistic Interpretations on the Life of Jesus.” The show is currently on display at the Grand Coteau Centre. The show includes the work of twelve artists who have interpreted the life of Jesus through textiles, glass, book arts, ceramics, jewellery, wood, stained glass, painting and religious icon. “I named the exhibition Moved by the Spirt, since each artist, no matter what their religious affiliation, was so moved to create an art piece based on a specific event in the Bible,” said Tessier, an artisan in handmade clay art tiles who works out of her Garden Rhymes Studio in Regina. Born and raised in Leader, Tessier received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan (with areas of concentration in art and music). Upon completing university, she taught elementary school in Saskatoon and she has made Regina her home for more than 25 years. Tessier put the show together by inviting 11 other artists to join her in creating works focused on significant events in the life of Jesus. The artists created works that each express an event in Jesus’ life through their chosen medium and within their own faith experience. The featured piece is called “Garden Way of the Cross.” It is 15 clay works depicting the Stations of the Cross. The show will run until early March at the museum. Tessier said she was inspired to create the project through the writings of Rev. Thomas A. Stanley, a member of the Society of Mary. Stanley’s writings – The Garden Way of the Cross – described how specific flowers and plants could represent the Stations of the Cross and one could meditate by following a botanical path with Jesus from the Last Supper to His miraculous resurrection. It is my hope that after seeing Moved by the Spirit you will be moved to visit churches in your community and in your travels to see the many works of creation based on are religious themes,” commented Tessier. Tessier also hopes the exhibit will inspire teachers and students to create works of art in different disciplines. Meanwhile, a large crowd of youngsters gathered in the basement of the museum for a “I Love Chocolate Day” celebration. Kids had an opportunity to create their own tasty chocolate treats throughout the afternoon.

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