Rich colours and arresting designs capture the mood of celebration and joy that characterizes this photographic record of contemporary religious works of art. Chosen for their excellence in design and stitchery, these works represent the achievements of artists who have created art, in fabric, for places of worship. This book celebrates this important artistic expression, a significant part of our heritage.
Pieces are selected from communities across Canada: from a small parish on a Micmac reserve in Nova Scotia to a large urban synagogue in Vancouver; from the igloo-shaped cathedral in Iqaluit to a suburban church nestled beside a wildlife march in southwestern Ontario.

The three authors bring to this subject a variety of experience in fine art, in writing and editing, and in the organization of artistic projects in the community. Over the past twenty years they hav curated no less than twelve exhibitions of contemporary Canadian Liturgical art.

A long association with Canadian fibre artists, whose work for the most part has not previously been chronicled, has give the authors the inspiration for this unique publication, Art of the Spirit. Joan, Helen and Judy reside in Toronto with their families.

Helen Bradfield's profile page

The three authors bring to this subject a variety of experience in fine art, in writing and editing, and in the organization of artistic projects in the community. Over the past twenty years they have curated no less than twelve exhibitions of contemporary Canadian Liturgical art.

A long association with Canadian fibre artists, whose work for the most part has not previously been chronicled, has give the authors the inspiration for this unique publication, Art of the Spirit. Joan, Helen and Judy reside in Toronto with their families.

Joan Pringle's profile page

The three authors bring to this subject a variety of experience in fine art, in writing and editing, and in the organization of artistic projects in the community. Over the past twenty years the authors of Art of the Spirit have curated no less than twelve exhibitions of contemporary Canadian Liturgical art.

A long association with Canadian fibre artists, whose work for the most part has not previously been chronicled, has give the authors the inspiration for this unique publication, Art of the Spirit. Joan, Helen and Judy reside in Toronto with their families.

Judy Ridout's profile page

This beautiful book is a bridge builder. It will inspire members of church worship committees and arts committees across denominational lines to engage the visual arts while it will challenge church leadership to engage their visual perception as a means of theological reflection. This book is needed.

Center for the Arts and Religion

[Art of the Spirit] penetrates deeply into the rich potential of a medium which has been too often forgotten, or relegated to the production of cheap, commercialized, readymade, off-the-shelf products...it illustrates wonderful creativity already present among us, and holds new possibilities before church communities and talented individuals.

Anglican Journal Review of Books

This lovely book combines the liturgical with the creative in an exploration of fabric art from various religious denominations...a book that while delighting the eye will remind believers of some of the origins of the [Christmas] season.

The Sunday Daily News

Glowing, vibrant color is the strongest initial impression received from browsing through the collection. As soon as the reader recovers from the blast of color, the impact of outstanding skill and master-level craftsmanship makes itself felt.

Canadian Book Review Annual

[Art of the Spirit] illustrates the ingenuity and indigenization of Christian and Jewish art in Canada during the past 25 years...this book illustrates the possibilities of liturgical art in our time.

The Mennonite Reporter

Art of the Spirit is a MUST READ for anyone interested in liturgical art.

St. James Cathedral Newsletter