Mary Magdalene: Invitation to Love
Janet McKenzie, Vermont artist, was present at North Church on Sunday, June 26, 2011 following worship to unveil her new painting of Mary Magdalene. Previously we have seen only prints of her work including “Jesus of the People” and “Holy Mother of the East”. Her work is collected and exhibited around the world. “Jesus of the People,” winner of the National Catholic Reporter’s 2000 competition, confronted stereotypical thinking by celebrating Jesus as an African American.
Ms. McKenzie “pays homage to the feminine figure through sacred and secular imagery using a variety of female forms including African- , Asian-, European-, and Native-American. Ms. McKenzie creates empowering images of women that are beautiful, thought provoking, and often haunting.” Prints of 28 paintings are featured in the book Holiness & the Feminine Spirit: the Art of Janet McKenzie edited by Susan Perry, Orbis Books, 2009. Her website is: www.janetmckenzie.com .
The painting of Mary Magdalene will hang in the North Church narthex on an indefinite loan from an anonymous owner in gratitude of the extravagant welcome of North Church and for honoring the feminine spirit within the life of the church.
Check out the recipes for some of the delicious dishes that were served at the celebration.