Lumanary 2017 Summer

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What do you enjoy about being a member?
I have been a LUMAmember for seven years. The benefits
of being a LUMA member are many. In addition to free
admission to themuseumanytime, I like that I can also attend
opening receptions for temporary exhibitions, educational
programs, and most lectures offered throughout the year
free of charge. Members also receive The LUMANARY,
LUMA’s news magazine. Oh yes, and members also receive
a 10% discount in LUMA’s Gift Shop.
How do you connect what the D’Arcy teaches us with
your existing beliefs?
The D’Arcy collection is comprised of art and art objects
largely inspired by Christian beliefs and tradition. The
D’Arcy is an awesome exhibit of the spiritual in art
manifested by the spirituality of the artist. It confirms my
belief in the amazing God-given power of the human spirit.
I believe there is a strong connection between spirituality
and creativity and how humans, in general, live life.
Given our current political and societal landscape, how
relevant is LUMA’s mission to the present times?
LUMA’s mission is dedicated to exploring, understanding,
and promoting the spirituality of all cultures and societies
through art and artistic expression. As a visitor walks
through the entrance to the museum, immediately on
the wall to the right, one sees the Windows of Faith. They
represent the five major religions of the word: Buddhism,
Catholicism, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. The windows
serve to pronounce LUMA’s mission. LUMA’s D’Arcy
Collection and the museum’s temporary exhibits are created
to bring inspired art to the public, calling attention to the
virtues and spiritual practices of these faiths and more.
Spiritual practices like love, social responsibility, peace
and hope are most certainly relevant to the present times.
What is your favorite current exhibit and which piece
speaks to you the most?
That would be the current Works on Paper exhibit,
Misericordia: Together We Celebrate. I can’t say that there
is one piece that speaks to me more than any other. Rather,
Schapiro’s photographs speak to me collectively in a
resounding way that warms my heart to see what a loving
environment can do to embolden the human spirit and
enhance the quality of life by developing the full potential
of the residents of Misericordia. That is truly something
to celebrate.
Where do you see LUMA in 10 years?
LUMA is a museumwith a unique mission. With qualified
people in the key positions of MuseumDirector and Curator
of the D’Arcy Collection, I can see LUMA becoming a
destination museumwithin 10 years. And, why shouldn’t it
be? LUMA has received accreditation from the American
Alliance of Museums-- the highest national recognition
for a museum. Of the nations’ estimated 17,500 museums,
this accreditation puts LUMA in the top 6% of museums
in the United States.
I think growing the D’Arcy Collection and expanding the
third floor gallery space would make for a better museum
experience. I also think that choosing temporary exhibits
that are in keeping with LUMA’s mission and touch the
soul will always make for a powerful museum experience.
Illuminate your spirit —
become a member of LUMA today!
If you are interested in becoming a member of LUMA, visit
our website at or contact
Theolyn Patterson at 312.915.7608 or .
LUMA Member Feature
Conversation with LUMA Member Leonard Caramela