Thomasita Fessler
Encyclopedia
Sister Mary Thomasita Fessler, O.S.F., (February 23, 1912 – April 1, 2005) was an American painter and nun
. Her work consisted of paintings, sculptures and designs for stained-glass windows. She used the signature SMT, Sr. T or Sr. Thomasita.
, the granddaughter of the prominent architect Erhard Brielmaier
. She joined the Sisters of St. Francis when she was seventeen years of age and went on to graduate from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
One of the most publicly known artists within the Brielmaier artist family, she was profiled by Life Magazine in a 1953 feature story written by Jaqueline Mitchard. Prior to the publication, Sr. Thomasita was being asked by the Church to reconsider whether she should she remain in the convent due to what the church hierarchy was 'seeing' in her artwork. Sr. Thomasita's reply was that if there was a sexual nature they were 'seeing' in her artwork, they should look within themselves for the answer to what 'they' were 'seeing'. Sr. Thomasita went on to found the Art Department at Cardinal Stritch University
, becoming the Chair of the Art Department as well as founding the much acclaimed Studio San Damiano art gallery and studio for artists and education; based on her philosophy of, "Nature is God's art and art is man's nature" as well as the Brielmaier tradition of, "A child who learns to create will not destroy."
Sr. Thomasita created over 600 paintings, most of which are now held in private collections, some within art galleries or museums such as the Haggarty Museum at Marquette University
. Two of her elaborate huge sculptures made of precious woods to bring color distinction are featured on the entire walls of the Marquette University second and fourth floor library. Her hand carved 16-foot crucifix, altar sculptures or stone carvings can be seen within churches throughout the United States. Her Studio San Damiano, where she had worked for decades with artist Irene Kilmurry, closed on April 14, 2004.
Nun
A nun is a woman who has taken vows committing her to live a spiritual life. She may be an ascetic who voluntarily chooses to leave mainstream society and live her life in prayer and contemplation in a monastery or convent...
. Her work consisted of paintings, sculptures and designs for stained-glass windows. She used the signature SMT, Sr. T or Sr. Thomasita.
History
Sr. Thomasita was born as Majella Nicola Fessler, in Milwaukee, WisconsinMilwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is the largest city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, the 28th most populous city in the United States and 39th most populous region in the United States. It is the county seat of Milwaukee County and is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. According to 2010 census data, the...
, the granddaughter of the prominent architect Erhard Brielmaier
Erhard Brielmaier
Erhard Brielmaier , was a renowned and prominent architect within United States and Canada from late 19th century through the 20th century. Erhard Brielmaier designed and built more churches and hospitals than any other architect. -History:Brielmaier was born at Neufra near Rottweil, Wuerttemberg...
. She joined the Sisters of St. Francis when she was seventeen years of age and went on to graduate from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
One of the most publicly known artists within the Brielmaier artist family, she was profiled by Life Magazine in a 1953 feature story written by Jaqueline Mitchard. Prior to the publication, Sr. Thomasita was being asked by the Church to reconsider whether she should she remain in the convent due to what the church hierarchy was 'seeing' in her artwork. Sr. Thomasita's reply was that if there was a sexual nature they were 'seeing' in her artwork, they should look within themselves for the answer to what 'they' were 'seeing'. Sr. Thomasita went on to found the Art Department at Cardinal Stritch University
Cardinal Stritch University
Cardinal Stritch University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.The university also has sites located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and Rochester, Minnesota, as well as multiple Outreach programs throughout Wisconsin.Cardinal...
, becoming the Chair of the Art Department as well as founding the much acclaimed Studio San Damiano art gallery and studio for artists and education; based on her philosophy of, "Nature is God's art and art is man's nature" as well as the Brielmaier tradition of, "A child who learns to create will not destroy."
Sr. Thomasita created over 600 paintings, most of which are now held in private collections, some within art galleries or museums such as the Haggarty Museum at Marquette University
Marquette University
Marquette University is a private, coeducational, Jesuit, Roman Catholic university located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1881, the school is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities...
. Two of her elaborate huge sculptures made of precious woods to bring color distinction are featured on the entire walls of the Marquette University second and fourth floor library. Her hand carved 16-foot crucifix, altar sculptures or stone carvings can be seen within churches throughout the United States. Her Studio San Damiano, where she had worked for decades with artist Irene Kilmurry, closed on April 14, 2004.