Priory Art

The tradition of the Dominican Order has always fostered religious art. Human beauty, artistic beauty, the expression of human vision and human faith in the works of human art--all these things are truly the work of God. The Dominican Community of the House of Studies, Washington, DC, has remained conspicuously faithful to the tradition which adorned the Dominican monastery of Florence with the paintings of Blessed Fra Angelico and enriched the Dominican Community of Milan with Leonardo's great fresco of the Last Supper.

Presently hanging on the walls of the Priory are works of such painters as Bettinson, Cariola, Di Girolamo, Maeika, Rutkowski, Watanabe, and Dominican Sisters of both the active and contemplative communities: Mary of the Compassion, Mary Grace, and Matelda Bechter.

The work of Sr. Mary Grace, OP, of Corpus Christi Monastery in Bronx, NY, is located on the second floor of the Priory. Sister's work represents a diversity of both subject matter and art medium. Her work is significantly religious, and she uses oils, water colors, silk screen, clay sculpture, cut paper, pen and ink, and wood cuts with equal talent and skill.

In addition to the works of the above mentioned artists there is a substantial collection of early American wood carvings throughout the Priory with the significant pieces located in the front reception areas. The artist of these wood carvings remains unknown, but the collection represents the love and commitment of a single individual for placing these works of art within the care of the Dominican Community.