Madonna of Hospitality Showing in Logan, IA

        Fr. Daniel Lenz O.S.B., art instructor at Mount Michael, will have his sculpture the "Madonna of Hospitality" on display at Museum of Religious Arts in Logan, Iowa beginning January 5, 2004 for a duration of at least 60 days.

Fr. Daniel's Madonna is touring as part of a 3 year show called "Body of Clay, Soul of Fire" Fr. Daniel apprenticed under potter Richard Bresnahan in 1984-1985 while studying Theology at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Bresnahan studied in Japan before establishing his studio at St. Johns. Father Daniel was one of Bresnahan's earliest apprentices. The show "Body of Clay, Soul of Fire" features the works of Bresnahan, his apprentices, and visiting artists.

"Through observing and participating, the artist in me emerged in a deeper way -a visionary way, a way of life, a way of breathing, a way of seeing, a way of speaking, a way of perceiving. I came to Saint John's to study theology and spirituality, but I also gained a precious gift because in my heart an artist was born and nurtured." - Fr. Daniel Lenz*

To the Left: Fr. Daniel's Sculpture, Madonna of Hospitality, 1986, stoneware with elm ash glaze and natural fly ash, 23 1/2 in. high. Made from clay excavated on the grounds of Mount Michael. The Sculpture was fired in a single chamber wood fire Kiln located on the schools campus.

*Quote & Photos from "Body of Clay, Soul of Fire" p.151; Matthew Welch, Afton Historical Society Press, 2001.