A Spiritual Journey Through Art
Welcoming Artist Cecilia Piña to JPII
A Spiritual Journey Through Art: Welcoming Artist Cecilia Piña to JPII
The John Paul II High School community is delighted to announce a special art exhibition and a series of workshops with acclaimed Mexican Catholic artist, Cecilia Piña. We invite everyone to join us for a unique opportunity to explore faith, beauty, and the creative spirit right here on our campus. The art reception will be held on
Sunday, September 21st, from 1-3 pm in the JPII Chapel Gallery, and will include tamales for all guests.
A Glimpse into the Artist’s Soul
Cecilia Piña is a fine artist and graphic designer currently living in Celaya, Mexico. Active since 2014, she has exhibited her collage work in New York and Mexico in a variety of group and solo exhibitions. Recently, while studying for her Diploma in Fine Arts at the Malaysian Institute of Art, she experienced a profound spiritual moment that led to her conversion. This powerful experience inspired her to create Catholic art, with some pieces even donated to the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Kuala Lumpur. Piña's art is a testament to her belief that in a world often distracted by technology, it is urgent to pause and appreciate the "simplicity and peace that is contained in beauty" to reconnect with the essentials of human existence.
Cecilia Piña's Resume & Portfolio
The Art Exhibition: A Portfolio of Faith
The exhibition will feature a collection of Piña’s captivating works, showcasing her unique blend of traditional and contemporary techniques. Pieces like "Madonna with infant Jesus" combine oil paint, color pencil, and golden leaf over Indian printed cotton. Her portfolio also includes "St. John the Evangelist," which uses oil paint, golden leaf paint, and acrylic over fabric, and "Virgen de los Dolores," an oil painting over Indian printed cotton.
"Portrait of a Saint" Workshops
Cecilia Piña will be leading two (2) separate workshops for JPII students titled "Portrait of a Saint," each tailored to a different skill level.
For Advanced Students: The Art of Oil Painting
Cecilia will instruct students on how to mix a wide variety of tones using only five specific colors: white, black, cadmium yellow, burned umber, and French ultramarine. The session will also cover composition, harmony, and various brushing techniques to help students create a unique portrait.
For Beginners: Collage and Mixed Media
Students will experiment with a variety of materials, including magazines, fabrics, decorative tapes, and buttons. Cecilia will provide a presentation on composition, color, and textures, and lead a sharing session on the importance of saints in our lives.
We are honored to have Cecilia Piña share her talent and spiritual journey with our school. We look forward to seeing the JPII community embrace this opportunity to grow in both artistic skill and faith.
Review: Week with Renowned Artist Cecilia Piña
Acclaimed Mexican Catholic artist, Cecilia Piña's visit was not just an event, but a transformative experience for our Art and Spanish classes.
Cecilia Piña, a beacon of sacred artistry, led our students through immersive workshops that were a beautiful amalgamation of creativity, technique, and faith. From the vibrant expressions of collage and mixed media to the profound depth of oil painting, students explored how sacred art serves as a conduit for both beauty and prayer.
"Learning from Cecilia was a blessing. It showed us how faith and art truly belong together," shared a student, capturing the essence of this enriching journey.
A Community Enriched by Faith and Learning
Our commitment to fostering an environment where education and faith converge is unwavering. Events like these highlight JPII’s mission to not only educate but also inspire and engage. Cecilia's visit stands as a testament to our values and our dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals.
"Bringing artists like Cecilia Piña to our school enriches our community and deepens our students' appreciation for the arts and their faith," remarked Tony Schraufnagel, Art Teacher and National Art Honor Society Sponsor.
Be part of a community where education is an experience and faith is a journey. At JPII, we continually seek to provide opportunities that encourage growth, creativity, and spiritual enrichment. We invite prospective students, families, and community members to explore what makes JPII unique.