Marmion Academy showcases Chris Hodge’s spiritual artworks in ‘Pilgrimage’

“Pilgrimage: A Journey of Faith Through Artmaking” by Chris Hodge will open with an artist’s reception on Sunday, Nov. 30.

The reception, open to the public, will be 3 to 5 p.m. at Marmion Academy’s Dr. Scholl Gallery, 1000 Butterfield Road in Aurora. Enter Door 4 for the Nov. 30 reception. Light refreshments will be provided. If you would like to view the exhibit during school hours, email Lisa Dzuricsko at ldzuricsko@marmion.org to secure an appointment time.

“Pilgrimage” showcases a collection of spiritual themed works by Chris Hodge. They range from earlier, more formative artworks to the present. The premier work in this collection and the most recently completed is the “Hermitage.”

The “Hermitage,” features the story of Gaspard de Sterimberg, a wounded knight returning from the Crusades in 1224. He was given permission to spend the remainder of his life in contemplation and in the cultivation of vineyards on a hilltop overlooking the Rhone river in the South of France. Legend has it that other hermits joined him and that the wines became legendary and were offered to weary travelers.

This artwork fits the theme of the show, being a personal pilgrimage and journey. Hodge states, “We are all travelers through this world, and from time-to-time we need to stop and reflect upon life, existence itself and where each one of us fits in the scheme of things.”

The show is set up to tell a story, starting with Creation and the origin of life then descending to depravity and destruction, after which the grand culmination that is redemption and renewal.

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Hodge started his art education at Waubonsee Community College, and continued his studies at North Central College where he received a bachelor in art education. He is currently an art teacher in the Midwest. He also holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and a master’s in educational leadership and administration from North Central College.

The art exhibit will be on display through Feb. 1 in the Dr. Scholl Gallery; it is not wheelchair accessible.