Catholic Canvas Hits the Newswire

EWTN Presents 'Catholic Canvas:' An Unprecedented Look Inside the Vatican Museums

10/22/2008 - 1:42 PM EST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMEDIA ADVISORY

A Series Supported by the Primavera Fine Art Foundation

Irondale, AL (OCTOBER 22, 2008) - EWTN Global Catholic Network, with the support of the Primavera Fine Art Foundation, was given unprecedented access to the Vatican Museums to film a 10-episode original series called “Catholic Canvas.” “We were granted four days of filming inside the Sistine Chapel – a privilege that has never been granted to any other network,” said EWTN President Michael Warsaw. “The Sistine Chapel is the backbone for the series because it conveys so beautifully in art the stories of our salvation.” Rome Producer Mary Shovlain explains the concept behind the series. “Catholic Canvas is a journey through salvation history as seen in the art of the Vatican Museums,” she said. “We begin with the Angels – the first to be created, the first to fall – which sets the stage for a journey through the Old Testament, from the creation to the fall of man, to our need for redemption and the promise of a redeemer, Christ.” Entire episodes are dedicated to Mary, to the Epiphany, to Christ’s earthly ministry, His Passion, death and resurrection, St. Peter, and the Saints. “Of course, our journey ends, as will all of our journeys, with a look at the Last Judgment,” Shovlain said. Primavera Chairman and Co-founder Earnest Bentley is thrilled with the program that resulted with the help of his Foundation’s support. “Primavera Fine Art Foundation is committed to creating a renaissance of fine theological art in the Church,” Bentley said. “As our Art Advisor has said, ‘Every great work of art is a window between time and eternity. When we learn to contemplate art or come in contact with it, we actually come in contact with God, a little piece of His glory.’ “For this reason, the Foundation believes bringing the treasures of the Vatican Museums into the viewers’ living room is both a privilege and an opportunity to share with EWTN in this work for the Church.” Episode 1, a visual feast called “The Angels,” will be hosted by Elisabeth Lev, Professor of Christian Art and Architecture at Duquesne University’s Italian campus. Lev’s expert commentary provides viewers with an in-depth explanation of the artistic genius behind the representation of the Cherubim and Seraphim as represented in Costanza’s Sarcophagus, Rafael’s Madonna of Foligno, and many other masterpieces. At the conclusion of each show, viewers also have the opportunity to see Father Mark Haydu, L.C., International Director of the Vatican Museums’ Patrons of the Arts who gives a short presentation about one of the many gorgeous restoration projects being financed by the Patrons. Episode 1 of “Catholic Canvas” will air 6:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Nov. 6 and 11 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Nov. 11. EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 27th year, is available in over 148 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world. The Primavera Fine Art Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Norcross, Georgia founded in 2003 by Earnest and Barbara Bentley. The Foundation seeks to commission works of fine theological art as a means of creating a renaissance of fine art in the Church and supporting vocations to the priesthood and religious life. To view portions of the painting, Our Lady of Light, or for more information, please visit www.primaverafineart.org -end-
Contact:
EWTN Global Catholic Networkhttp://www.ewtn.com AL, 35210 US
Michelle Johnson - Director of Communications, 205-795-5769

Catholic Canvas Air Dates Released

Mark your calendars! Catholic Canvas will make its anticipated debut on EWTN at the following times in the United States (check www.ewtn.com for international times):

Thursday, November 6, 2008 6:30pm EST
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 11:00pm EST

As the election comes to a close I am sure we will all be ready for something a little different on the TV screen. Spread the word, tell your friends, tell your parish, and open the doors of the Vatican Museum into your living room!

Primavera will also be releasing a limited edition Our Lady of Light image . . . check back for the details.

Catholic Canvas . . . The Excitement is Growing!

As many of you know, Primavera is sponsoring a television series entitled "Catholic Canvas". The series will give an in-depth explanation and inside view of rarely filmed areas of the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. We spoke with the producer this week and he conveyed a sense of great excitement after having viewed the first cut of the premier episode. Like you, we can't wait to see the finished product and have a little piece of the Vatican coming into our own living rooms!

Stay tuned to EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) for the premier episode scheduled for autumn and other great programming.