In April, James Arlen Gillaspie, Artist Metalsmith and Medieval Armor Maker, will give a presentation at noon for Cathedral Friends and Art on 4th Sundays. Coffee will be served and all are invited. After, the Cathedral will remain open for art-making and meditation until 3PM, with opportunity to sketch some of the armor.

Note from our speaker: “Most people think of the 'knight in shining armour' as a medieval phenomenon, but it's really more of the Renaissance.  Its mastery began in Northern Italy, beginning about the time Giotto died, and reaching its full flower in the 15th century.  Just as the Renaissance artists made an exhaustive study of human anatomy, so did the armour smiths, making the steel shell an interesting abstraction of the human form, modified by engineering considerations and (frequently) fashion.  Renaissance artists frequently participated in its decoration, and in turn studied it in order to use the armoured body in their own art.  A famous watercolor by Durer shows a heavy jousting helm that some people think he designed.“

Watch “A Craftsmen’s Legacy: The Armor Maker,” a video about James Arlen Gillaspie’s work on YouTube HERE. Visit his website to see his many creations HERE.

For artists who would like open studio time in the cathedral, please fill out the form below so we know to expect you. Please use only odorless and non-staining materials and a drop cloth.

This is a free program of Cathedral Arts. Donations are welcome: suggested donations per person for tours and classes are $15 per person.