THEN & NOW
A LOOK AT ARTMAKING THROUGH THE YEARS When artists Jordan and Josh Anderson came to Mount Mary to lead its art programs more than a dozen years ago, the couple waded into a creative stream that began when Sister Stanisia established the Art Department in 1929.
Her “method of silkscreening was taught when we joined in 2008,” and her silkscreen wall hangings and tapestries still add colorful touches all over campus today, noted Jordan Anderson, Art & Design Department chair.
An important artist, Stanisia Kurkowska, SSND, (18781967) helped define an American Catholic art, with its own icons and style. A prolific painter of portraits and murals, the renowned artist created altarpieces for three historic Chicago churches.
“We have an attachment to the historical past thankfully transferred to us through the people we encountered here when we were hired,” she continued. Among the Andersons’ first colleagues were artist-teachers who had been at Mount Mary for decades: Angelee Fuchs and biological sisters Rosemarita and Mary Carla Huebner, all SSNDs who integrated spiritual life and artistic practice.
Through the years, notable artists infused new talents and perspectives. Mary Augustine Hatch, SSND, (1896-1974) inspired colorful murals in Mount Mary’s dining hall with her abstract paintings. Internationally regarded Mary Leo Hartgarten, SSND, (1935-1956) painted Stations of the Cross for Our Lady Chapel (see page 8), as well as for St. Theresa Church in Appleton. She used an innovative technique of mixing tempera and oil, painting on metal, to create brilliant colors. Mary Remy Revor, SSND, (1914-1998) created “elaborate textiles … printed with colorful patterns and textures from batik, linoleum block and silkscreen techniques,” says American Craft magazine.
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Sister Angelee drew subjects from nature in colored pencil and pastels, and taught two-dimensional design. Sister Rosemarita practiced jewelry-making and metalsmithing. As department chair for 15 years, she led the formation of the art therapy, graphic design and communication design programs. The Wisconsin Art Education Association recognized both Sister Rosemarita and Sister Carla as dedicated educators. It seems everyone remembers their humor. The nuns and their colleagues taught art as a way of addressing social issues and exploring faith. As Bob
