Art For Sacred Spaces
Ongoing

Sacred is defined as “things and actions set aside as religious or spiritual which are entitled to reverence (oregonstate.edu/instruct/anthro370/gloss.html). Thus, a sacred space is any space that inspires reverence and can range from the macrocosmic to the microcosmic.

In Hindu, Shinto and Native American traditions, features of the natural world are sacred. Shrines, temples, mosques, and churches are sacred and are receptacles for religious art for all traditions ranging from West African tribal religions to those represented by major world religions. Funerary rituals are universal and the deceased are treated with reverence. In Pre-Columbian America, West Africa and China the ancestors were held in high esteem and art was produced to honor them. Shrines are found in the homes of many adherents of the world’s different religions and might contain icons or statuary that represents religious founders, gods, or saints. Holy books in the Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions are believed to be the word of god and are written by calligraphers. These are truly works of art.



A very special thanks to Terry Adams and Naomi Nakamoto for the loan of their beautiful works to exhibit with our permanent collection in this show.