Joliet Franciscans to host Celebration of the Fine Arts

sisters of st. franci

WHAT: Celebration of the Fine Arts
Remember ♦ Celebrate ♦ Embrace
WHEN: 1 p.m. Sunday,  March 15
WHERE: University of St. Francis, Sullivan Hall, 500 Wilcox St., Joliet
COST: Free
RSVP: 815.725.8735

On March 15, classical harpist Wilhelmine Vidmar will greet attendees to the Joliet Franciscan Sisters’ “Celebration of the Fine Arts” with perhaps the ultimate tribute – her harp music.

The four sponsoring institutions of the Joliet Franciscans – Franciscan Learning Center, Joliet Catholic Academy, University of St. Francis, and Our Lady of Angels – will display art and perform musical selections in the one-hour show, part of the order’s 150th anniversary celebration.

“We’re just inviting people to come and celebrate [the sisters’] heritage and to show our love and support for their years of service to the community,” said Regina Block, chief advancement officer at the University of St Francis.

Through the years, the Joliet Franciscans have expanded and developed their commitment to education in the many facets of fine arts along with composing and performing. Today, Joliet Franciscans offer numerous programs to people of all ages, preschoolers through senior citizens.”

Peg Stoiber, chair of JCA’s fine arts department, said the school’s fine arts program has continued to expand ever since she first stepped through its doors in 1965 as a St. Francis Academy freshman.

“Music students today learn everything from appreciation to theory,” Stoiber said. “JCA’s art program has expanded to include two computer art classes,” she added. “We have a large variety of classes for our students. We deal with everyone, from serious [art] students who want to go onto college to students who need an outlet.”

For more information on the Joliet Franciscans’ fine arts event, contact Regina Block at 815.741.5065.

Excerpts from The Herald-News (Joliet) article published on Thursday, March 5, 2015. To read the complete article, click here.


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