Quest for Beauty: The Life and Art of William Schickel

William Schickel (1919-2009) was a prominent twentieth-century Christian artist and architect. His prolific art career spanned more than sixty years, and he produced a large body of paintings, sculptures, stained glass, and architectural designs. He is most well-known for his renovation of the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, where he worked personally with Thomas Merton. His works can be found in numerous private collections and museums, including the Vatican Museum.

This event features a unique collection of Schickel’s visual art and a premier of Quest for Beauty, a film documentary on Schickel’s life and career, exploring the challenges he faced, his vision for the church, and his heart for unity in the body of Christ (view trailer).

Following the film, enjoy a panel discussion and dialogue with Winfield Bevins (Executive Director of Creo Arts), Joe Schickel (son of William Schickel), and Nathan Smith (Director of Ecumenism, Glenmary Home Missioners). Participants will also have an opportunity to buy a discounted copy of Gregory Wolfe’s phenomenal book Sacred Passion: The Art of William Schickel (University of Notre Dame Press, 2010).

Winfield Bevins is an artist, author, and the executive director of Creo Arts. He is also artist-in-residence at Asbury Theological Seminary and theologian-in-residence for Renaissance Movement in London where he champions the integration of art, theology, and mission. He is the author of several books, including Liturgical Mission and Ever Ancient Ever New.

Joe Schickel is curator and owner of the William Schickel Gallery in Loveland, Ohio, and author of Face to Face: Conversations with My Father. The artist William Schickel (1919-2009) is his late father.

Nathan Smith serves as the Director of Ecumenism for Glenmary Home Missioners and a Consultant for the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He is currently completing his postgraduate work at Durham University under the supervision of Paul Murray and on the topic of ecumenism. His ministry seeks to enhance understanding, reduce alienation, and foster reconciliation between Catholics, Pentecostals, and Evangelicals.

This event is co-sponsored by the at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and .

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, 14542 Choate Circle, Charlotte, United States