The Gallery
The Daughters of Charity are known for their work in education, healthcare, and in the orphanages. This exhibit, however, seeks to display some of the artistic talents of the Daughters within the Province of St. Louise. Each of these works, from the collection of the Archives of the Province, was created by a Daughter, and covers a variety of religious, Vincentian, and secular subjects.
Sister Ellen LaCapria
American, born 1955
Creation, early 2000s
Oil on Canvas
Sister Ellen depicts the seven Biblical days of creation, beginning with the void in darkness and extending outward in the spiral.
Sister Mary Polutanovich
American, born 1946
Emmaus, late 20th century
Colored pencil
Sister Mary Polutanovich taught art part time in Evansville, IN, before starting the “Creation Station” program in Milwaukee, WI in 1991. Of the need for this program, Sr. Mary stated, “I believe art and spirituality touch the body, mind and spirit. By providing this program, those persons who are poor are able to have opportunities they could not afford. This is compatible with the mission of the Daughters of Charity, because poor persons are empowered to use their creativity in life-changing ways, to form community, foster positive self-image and deepen their spirituality.”
Sister Anna Marie Nado
American, 1915-1985
Seascape, late 1960s
Oil on Canvas
Likely a depiction of the seaside near Waterville, Maine, where Sister Anna Marie was missioned at the Sisters Hospital operated by the Daughters.
Sister Anna Mae Schaben
American, 1920-1990
Abstract, 1965-1966
Oil on Canvas
Completed as part of Master’s thesis at Catholic University.
Sister Madeleine Wheeler
American, 1916-2004
Proverbs 31: 10-31, 1950
Paint on Wooden Board
“A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from far away. She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates.
Sister Adele Waters
American, 1917-1999
Still-Life, 1965
Watercolor
Completed while a student at the Maryland Institute of Art.
Sister Monica Gayas
American, 1913-2003
Self-Portrait, 1970s
Oil on Canvas
Donated by the estate of the artist. 10-1-17 Gayas, Monica #6
After a long vocation as an art teacher, Sister Monica Gayas had her works displayed at Mt. St. Mary’s College (now University) in 1979 and at Seton High School in Baltimore, her mission of 17 years.
Sr. Maria Liebeck
American, born 1930
Cana, 1967
Encaustic
“I was thinking of the seven water jars at the wedding feast of Cana. The wine ran out and Jesus, after being requested by his Mother, told the waiter to fill the jars with water. You know the rest of that story I’m sure. Those are the jars in the painting.”
“The medium, encaustic, is an ancient form of painting, still used by some artists today, in which the color or pigment was ground into a powder form so that it could be mixed with melted wax and applied to a surface.”
Description by the artist.
