Exploring the Intersection of Spirituality and the Artistic Spirit
The lecture is named in honor of Professor William Blizek's mother, Pearl, who was a strong advocate of education although she herself did not attend college.
The Pearl Blizek Lecture on Religion and Art was established in 2007 and is a collaborative effort between the Religious Studies program and the Department of Art & Art History at UNO. The Lectures can be on any topic related to religion in art. Past Lectures have focused upon such arts as painting, drawing, calligraphy, music, poetry, architecture, and film. The Lectures are to be held each semester (fall and spring).
Spring 2015
Mamluk Endowment in Jerusalem
Dan Bahat, one of Israel's leading archaeologists and a senior lecturer at the Land of Israel Studies at Bar-Ilan University
Fall 2014
Time for Bible: Biblical Texts in Dave Brubeck's Sacred Works
Dan W. Clanton, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Doane College
Fall 2013
The Complex Magdalene?
Amy Millicent Morris, PhD, Assistant Professor of Art History, UNO
Fall 2012
Cathedral Culture Brother William Woeger, FSC
Spring 2011
Star Wars as Religion: Myths, Morals, and Rituals
John Lynden, author of Film as Religion: Myths, Morals and Rituals and the Routledge Companion to Religion and Film
Fall 2010
Here, I listen for your light, while, somewhere, you paint my song
Dr. John J. McKenna, Professor Emeritus of English at UNO and widely published poet.
Spring 2010
Reimagining Hindu Art in Popular Culture
Julien Fielding, lecturer with the UNO Religious Studies Program
Fall 2009
Sacred Art: Windows Into Heaven
Louise Joyner, program coordinator for the School of Fine and Applied Arts at the St Cecilia Institute for Laity Formation
Spring 2009
Islamic Calligraphy: Lifting the Veil
Elinor Aishah Holland, New York-based calligrapher, long-time student of master calligrapher Mohamed Zakariya.
Fall 2008
Art and Religion: Happy Mistakes and the Noös-Spherety
Ted Bohr, Jesuit Priest, associate Chair and Assistant Professor of Art History, Art Gallery Director and community liaison at Creighton University.