Earnest and Barbara Bentley,
The Founders
“It’s the first work
of its kind in 500 years. Unveiling it to the world here
in Washington, DC is like saying that this is where
a new Renaissance for art and the Church is going to
start. more >
Natalia Tsarkova,
The artist
"I do this work
of spreading peace with my paintbrush. They (the Bentley’s)
had this idea like a ‘flash’ - to help renew Christianity
through sacred art. I truly believe that these paintings
are a very important project, and I’m so happy to have
this opportunity. The artistic scope (of Our
Lady of Light) is very interesting, and the composition is not
at all simple . . . The Last Supper (a previous painting),
compositionally, was very challenging, but this (Our
Lady of Light) is perhaps even more difficult."
Elizabeth Lev,
Professor of
Christian Art and Architecture at Duquesne University's
Italian campus
"In this highly
original and compelling composition, Tsarkova once again
shows herself to be one of the most remarkable and prolific
artists working today. Our Lady
of Light whets the
appetite for the remaining two paintings commissioned
by the Primavera Fine Art Foundation."
Fr. John Bartunek, LC,
Author,
Inside the Passion and The Better Part
"Supporting vocations
through art is a perfect fit. My own vocation to the
priesthood was directly influenced by exposure to great
works of Catholic art from past centuries." more >
Senator Sam Brownback, (R-KS)
"This (Primavera)
is an answer to prayer. (My prayer) that art would come
back that presents the truth and presents it grandly…wonderful,
lasting art that appeals to the eye and to the soul."
ABC’s Peter Jennings, World
News Tonight,
Concerning Natalia Tzarcova as Friday Night’s
Featured Person
Watch
the video
Elizabeth Fisher,
The National
Review
"The painting itself
is a beautiful and classically rendered allegory of hope,
depicting the Madonna and Child eager to share the mysteries
of light with humanity."
Carol Zimmerman,
Catholic News
Services
"The artist said
she leaves the painting in the United States with a prayer
that Mary will introduce a new springtime of hope and light
in the U.S. and in the world."
