Step into a world where art meets the divine, history comes alive and beauty becomes a gateway to the sacred. This April, the Angelico Project will again host
an unforgettable evening at the Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM), where timeless masterpieces and stirring music converge to create an experience that transcends the ordinary. Featuring Dr. Cecelia Dorger, Ph.D., this event reflects the powerful intersection of faith, history and artistry.

Now in its second year at the CAM, Sacred Art has quickly become a cherished tradition, one that originated from an ambitious idea—creating educational videos for Catholic school art teachers. A donor’s vision led Dr. Dorger to produce “two incredible videos about CAM’s sacred art collection,” explained Brad Torline, Executive Director of the Angelico Project. “We were so impressed with the videos that we decided to build a whole event around them!”

Fulfilling the Angelico Project’s mission, the experience also appeals to a wide audience. “Sacred art has the power to draw hearts closer to God and foster a renewed appreciation for truth, goodness and beauty,” Torline said. It’s “a perfect blend of everything we do. … an incredible experience of remarkable art and beauty that resonates with Catholics and the broader community alike.”

An acclaimed sacred art historian with a passion for making art accessible and spiritually meaningful, Dr. Dorger is the evening’s featured speaker. Her academic journey—from an undergraduate degree in art education at the University of Dayton to a Ph.D. in art history from the University of Louisville—reflects a lifelong love for art and faith. After teaching art history at Mount St. Joseph for 25 years, she currently instructs a sacred art history course at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology.

“Images of the Virgin Mary have long fascinated me,” Dr. Dorger shared. “As a child, I loved them. I am attracted to using art as an impetus for prayer, and I like introducing that idea to students, audiences in lectures and inmates.”

At the Sacred Art event, Dr. Dorger will showcase two videos she created with her son, Ben Dorger, a professional videographer. They highlight Christ’s life through CAM’s sacred art collection. “The first video focuses on paintings of Jesus’ birth, including stunning Madonna and Child depictions. The second explores Christ’s Passion and Resurrection,” Dr. Dorger said.

After the videos, attendees can engage in a live Q&A session with Dr. Dorger and enjoy an exclusive after-hours walk-through of CAM’s sacred art collection, accompanied by live sacred music. “The music adds a deeply spiritual dimension,” Torline noted. “It’s unspeakably moving to hear sacred polyphony in the presence of these masterpieces, connecting attendees to the art’s historical and spiritual context.”

Attendees can expect a rich experience that combines intellectual enrichment, spiritual inspiration and artistic discovery. “You will gain a deeper understanding of CAM’s sacred art collection and the spiritual significance of sacred art in general,” Torline said. “Dr. Dorger’s presentation really transforms your future visits to the museum. … Her insights turn the exhibit into a place of pilgrimage. There are pieces I now visit and pray before regularly because of her talks.”

“Cincinnati has some truly exemplary examples of Western European art commissioned for private devotion and church decoration in the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods,” said Dr. Dorger.

An intricate alabaster relief of “The Resurrection” (c. 1450) is a personal favorite of hers. “The risen Christ’s expression is so moving,” Dr. Dorger said. “It’s a profound depiction of Christ’s triumph over sin—decisive and assertive, yet filled with peace. I’ve thought of this modest carving and its message many times. It still moves me.”

Believing that great art has the power to elevate and connect us to truths beyond ourselves, Dr. Dorger shared, “If an artwork can inspire someone to connect with the divine, then a rich experience just became all the more meaningful. Great art elevates us, opens us to a truth—touches us and sometimes speaks to us from above.”
This article appeared in the February 2025 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.