The University of St. Francis (USF) will commemorate 50 years of Vatican II with programs in art, lecture and music with the theme Celebrating a Pilgrim People: The Voices of Vatican II, featuring “The World of Vatican II: An Artist’s Report” by Franklin McMahon.
“The World of Vatican II: An Artist’s Report” by Franklin McMahon features the works of the artist-reporter from Lake Forest, Ill., who worked worldwide recording religious, cultural, and political events. His paintings and drawings have graced the covers of Chicago Tribune Magazine, and the pages of Life, Look, Jubilee, U.S. Catholic and Commonweal magazines. Highly recognized for his contributions to art and journalism, McMahon received three Emmys, a Peabody Award for Excellence in Broadcasting and the Renaissance Prize from the Art Institute of Chicago. He is collected by the Chicago History Museum, Library of Congress, NASA and Lake County Discovery Museum.
McMahon was in Rome for opening day and all subsequent major events of the Second Vatican Council between 1962 and 1965 – producing a book This Church These Times: The Roman Catholic Church since Vatican II, and an award-winning film documentary The World of Vatican II, An Artist’s Report.
McMahon’s works will be on display from Sept. 15 through Oct. 12 at the university’s art gallery at the Rialto, 5 Van Buren St. in downtown Joliet. For gallery hours or for special group showings, call 815-740-3367.
On Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. McMahon’s works will be discussed by his son, Mark McMahon, and the curator for the artist, Kathleen Van Ella. The presentation will be at the university’s St. Bonaventure Hall (former Mode building), 16 Van Buren St., downtown Joliet. Following the presentation, there will be a short walk to the gallery to view the exhibit with a reception.
An internationally known artist in his own right, Mark McMahon has adopted the on-location style of drawing and painting of his father, Franklin, “who influenced me as a child not only in style but in his search into art processes.” The Field Museum features Mark’s work, “Sue” of the famed dinosaur bone, in its permanent collection. McMahon is also represented by several private art galleries. He works in a variety of mediums, including painting, silk screens and tile murals. For more than 30 years, Mark McMahon has promoted family art through the McMahon Family Art Gallery in Lake Forest, Ill.
Kathleen Van Ella is founder of Portraits/Chicago Inc. and an art consultant with more than 25 years of experience working in close association with artists and placing artworks. She has participated in nine international art exhibitions.
For general information, call 815-740-5045.
