The Primavera Fine Art
Foundation was started by Earnest and Barbara Bentley, a
Catholic couple from Norcross, Georgia. The Bentleys began
this venture in an effort to show support for one of their
sons, Edward, who felt called to pursue a vocation to the
priesthood. Through the influence of the Holy Spirit, their
desire to support vocations grew. They become convinced that
the best way to encourage the Church’s many good works was
by supporting her most committed workers.
The idea of commissioning
contemporary masterworks of theological art emerged gradually,
as the spiritual affinity between vocations and theological
artworks. Vocations to the priestly, consecrated, and missionary
life are God’s living works of art; these individuals’ active
dedication to others reflects the beauty of God’s active
love. Great works of theological art are visual echoes of
that same love; they reflect God’s beauty in a more contemplative
manner. Both vocations and artworks are powerful reminders
that God is still at work in the world.
Through the Bentley's continued
generosity, as well as many others who have joined the mission
of Primavera, the Foundation has expanded into new realms
of service for the Church.
"(As catholics) we
go to Church on Sunday, some go everyday. Some of us were
lucky enough to go to catholic school, where you may have
seen a nun. We see a priest at mass, maybe a deacon at times.
Maybe you never think about how those people arrived where
they are. What did it take to become a priest? Or a nun?
Or a consecrated person? It takes a lot of years of formation,
of praying, a lot of years of school and it is all expensive.
These people have to be supported. Until I started this foundation,
I never really thought about that. I would just look up on
the altar and would see a priest. The vocations in the Church
have to be supported and the more support we give them, the
more they will see that there are people out there who care
about them." – Earnest Bentley |
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