Fall Festival of the Arts
Celebrating Artists From Our Benedictine History
This year’s Fall Festival, on September 21, will feature an array of art and music from our Benedictine History. After celebrating the Eucharist with us at 9:30, visitors will be able to see a collection of manuscripts, books, icons, paintings, and more, from the monastic collection and enjoy a concert of primarily music of Benedictine composers in the Mount Michael Chapel.
Throughout the day, Mount Michael friends, alumni, and monks will be displaying and selling a variety of art and handmade items. One featured alumnus is Brian Iodence ‘77. Here is some of his artwork:
Some items to specially notice include a hand-embroidered stole depicting St. Benedict and his twin sister Sr. Scholatica, given to us by sisters of Clyde, Missouri. Another special item is a 15th century manuscript which comes from our mother house, Conception Abbey in Missouri. There are also carvings by the late Br. Andrew Sorensen and calligraphy by the late Abbot Theodore Wolff, who were monks of Mount Michael Abbey.
The Chapel will be open during the Festival with displays of Benedictine Art, and historical displays of Benedictine history throughout the ages, extending to our own abbey. This will also include information about Rex Olson and his farm Journey’s End, which became Mount Michael. Stop by and visit the 100-year-old Otte House (now the guest house) and the flea market in Rex Olson’s barn.
St. Lawrence was asked to give over all the treasures of the church before he was martyred. He responded by saying the greatest treasures are the people. So it is with Mount Michael. Our greatest treasures are our people. Visit the cemetery on this Festival Day to honor those who have passed. And check out all the classes composites over the years. These are all our greatest treasures.
Benedictine monks since the time of St. Benedict try to glorify God in all things and in each day. The Fall Festival of the Arts will continue to glorify God in the beauty you will find at Mount Michael.