Gala and art sale benefiting art education scholarships
“Forest of Enlightenment” – Rebecca Coffey
The beauty of The Saint John’s Bible, acquired by St. Mary’s University last year, seems to move everyone who experiences it, so imagine the creative inspiration San Antonio’s favorite artists derived from it.
In October, President Thomas Mengler and his wife, Mona, hosted the Let There Be Light Gala and Art Sale, with a portion of the sales going to St. Mary’s for scholarships for Art Education majors.
The genesis of the event is the hand-written, hand-illuminated Saint John’s Bible. St. Mary’s professor Brian St. John was touched by the craftsmanship of the fine art in the Bible’s seven volumes, particularly the illumination accompanying the pronouncement “Let There Be Light” in the Book of Genesis. He drew upon that inspiration, inviting fellow artists to create their own works of art.
Twenty works from many of San Antonio’s finest artists were displayed in the Mengler home, including works created by internationally known artist Jesse Treviño (whose paintings hang in the Smithsonian), Lionel and Kathy Sosa, the Marianists’ own Brother Cletus Behlmann, S.M., Gini Garcia, and many more.
“Mona and I were excited to have such brilliant artwork in our home, if only for a short time,” Mengler said. “The event was a wonderful evening celebrating local artists, The Saint John’s Bible and St. Mary’s University.”
The University’s acquisition of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition last year was made possible through the generosity of John and Susan Morrison, longtime friends of the Menglers.
