“Hidden Life” – Danielle McKean

The first – and organizers hope “annual” – St. Nicholas Arts and Crafts Fair will host the handiwork of Catholic artists, as co-organizer Danielle McKean says, “from the cookie made with love, to the oil painting masterfully depicting Christ’s life.”

McKean, of St. Jude Parish in Peoria has organized the event along with Molly Olsen (St. Mary of Lourdes, Germantown Hills), and Laurel Stein (St. Mark, Peoria).

Asked what distinguishes a Catholic artist, McKean responded: “As Catholics, we are striving to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.”

“Perhaps an artist does that literally by painting or sculpting religious themes, or perhaps share the glory of His creation by painting His natural world  . . .  or perhaps they give glory to him by baking His love into all their baked goods, or knitting His love into their blankets and afghans,” she commented.

Danielle McKean, co-organizer, St. Nicholas Arts and Crafts Fair (supplied photo)

McKean says they currently they have about 15 local Catholic creatives lined up to be on hand displaying everything from hand-painted ornaments and baked goods, to T-shirts printed with favorite saints and refurbished antique rosaries, to cards (e.g., McKean’s painting seen in the banner above, “Hidden Life,” will be sold as a Christmas card).

HOPE TO MAKE EVENT ANNUAL

“The Catholic Church was once the biggest supporter of the arts, and we would love to reignite that vigor in our community by hosting an event where the shoppers know they are supporting a local Catholic creative,” she says.

She adds that the goal is to make the fair an annual event: “But it all depends on how successful this first year is!”

The St. Nicholas Arts and Crafts Sale will be held at Holy Family School Gym, 2329 W Reservoir Blvd, Peoria, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.