THE SECRETS OF
Sacred Art
Explore how sacred art reveals truth and beauty and goodness. Sacred artists Kathryn Laffrey and Alix Murray take listeners and viewers on a journey through sacred art to explore what makes art sacred and how art opens a window into what is good and true and beautiful. In each episode, they unearth the hidden treasury, history, and deeper meanings in religious and sacred art.
Whether you are an art aficionado or completely new to art, this show is for you. The Secrets of Sacred Art is produced in both audio and video versions, with the video allowing viewers to see the art being discussed.
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Turning Darkness Into Light
Explore the influence of St. Colmcille on sacred art, especially the Book of Kells. Alix Murray and Kathryn Laffrey delve into the significance of the Iona abbey founded by St. Colmcille, the symbolism in Celtic crosses, and the relationship between Celtic Christianity and sacred art.
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Sacred Arts at Pontifex University
In this summer special, Kathryn Laffrey and Alix Murray welcome artists from the Pontifex University Master of Sacred Arts program to discuss sacred art’s role in contemporary society; their personal stories highlighting art’s spiritual impact; and more.
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Pisanki: Make Them, Bless Them, Share and Eat Them!
Learn the art of Polish Easter eggs. Kathryn Laffrey, along with cohost Alix Murray, shares how to make the wonderfully delicate and beautiful decorated Easter eggs called Pisanki. Originally an Easter special episode for Patrons, we’ve now made it available to our whole audience.
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A Special Message from StarQuest
StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for all listeners and supporters of StarQuest’s shows.
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The Secret of Kells
Exploring the intersection of art, history, and faith, Alix Murray, Kathryn Laffrey, and Jeff Haecker discuss the 2009 animated film The Secret of Kells, the historical significance of the Book of Kells; the blend of Christian themes with Irish folklore; the clash between paganism and…
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Mass on the Hood of a Jeep: The Art and History of Military Travel Altars
Portable traveling altars have been used throughout Church and military history. Kathryn Laffrey and Alix Murray explore the use, development, and art of field altars from the early Church, the American Civil War, both World Wars, and today.
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Our Lady of Walsingham: Hidden in Plain Sight?
Come to know the beautiful statue of Our Lady of Walsingham, her tragic history, and the possibility of her silent victory. Alix Murray and Kathryn Laffrey journey across Medieval Catholic England, through the Reformation, and into modern London and beyond.
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Our Glorious Heavenly Hosts: A Survey of Angels in Sacred Art
Explore the history and symbolism of angels in sacred art with Alix Murray and Kathryn Laffrey as they draw on Catholic doctrine and history to examine angelic depictions across various art forms and periods, emphasizing their roles as messengers and guardians.
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The Mystical Menagerie: Animals in Sacred Art
Explore the symbolism and significance of animals in sacred with Kathryn Laffrey and Alix Murray as they delve into the portrayals of some of their favorite creatures, how they glorify God, act as companions, and symbolize theological truths.
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Last Supper at the Last Inn
A Medieval pub in Shrewsbury, UK, is an unusual place to find sacred art. Alix Murray tells Kathryn Laffrey how she discovered this fresco of the Last Supper and why it was there; its symbolism and theology; and finding unexpected sacred art in other places.
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Ste. Anne de Detroit: Basilica Breakdown
In the first of a series, Kathryn Laffrey and Alix Murray take a deep dive, exploring the art and images of the Basilica of Ste. Anne in Detroit; its historical and architectural significance; and the symbolic significance of the various design elements.
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Architecture and the Liturgy
How do the art and architecture of churches contribute to Catholic liturgy? Kathryn Laffrey and Alix Murray discuss the elements of the Catholic church, incuding verticality, permanence, and iconography, highlighting how these features connect the faithful to the divine, as well as the history of…