 Artist Brother Jerome Pryor has had a life long devotion to God -as well as a passion for painting and teaching the beauty of art to young minds. After a stellar career as one of the curatorial staff of the Detroit Institute of Arts from 1958 –1962 (concentrating in Pre-Columbian and Post-Columbian American Indian art, and then teaching studio art for the Detroit Board of Education adult classes for two years), Jerome Pryor joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1964.
Br. Pryor holds a bachelor‘s and masters degree in painting and drawing, and a Doctorate in Humanities from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He has dedicated his life to God and teaching studio art, art and film history, and art appreciation at the University of Detroit, and Xavier University (in Cincinnati, Ohio). His direction as an artist grew out of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, during a 30 day retreat as a Jesuit novice.
Like many artists over their lifetime, Brother Jerome‘s art has evolved from what he called, ?Expressionistic, with a touch of Michelangelo,? reflecting the Jesuit tenements of social justice as well as male/female relationships, to the themes that his work portrays today. ?This new phase reflects my experience as a priest who administers the Church‘s sacraments…so I find myself moving from depictions of Christ‘s birth and death as experienced in the Spiritual Exercises, to depictions of Christ as experienced in the sacraments.? (Company Magazine; the world of Jesuits and their friends. Spring 2005.)
Brother Jerome‘s breathtaking paintings grace universities, libraries, and private collections across the country. Not limited to just painting on canvas, prior to teaching at Xavier University, he was commissioned to do 28 murals on the life of Christ for the Jesuit Residence in Cincinnati, Ohio.
One of his personal favorite paintings (acrylic on panel, 1999), is one he did of St. Michael (the Archangel). ?St. Michael not only has conquered the Devil, he is also of great assistance in the conquest of negative energy, which is evil, and does not come from God. When I was signing this painting, I heard three words. ?I am pleased.‘ I treasure these three words more than any prizes, human acclaim, or money. I will never forget this priceless gift.? (Company Magazine; the world of Jesuits and their friends. Spring 2005)
Br. Pryor may have retired from teaching at Xavier University, but not from his life long devotion to God, as well as his passion to his spiritually inspired painting. To contact or learn more about Brother Jerome Pryor go to www.brpryor.com
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