The Persistent Allure of Gothic Church Architecture: Art, Science, and Popular Piety
The Persistent Allure of Gothic Church Architecture: Art, Science, and Popular Piety
This lavishly illustrated presentation will examine the hold that Christian places of worship in the Gothic style continue to maintain on the imaginations of religious and non-religious people alike. Dr. Michael DeSanctis, a JES scholar-in-residence, will describe the synthesis of artistry, science and theology that animated the construction of Gothic churches throughout Europe during the 12th-16th centuries, and will offer some explanation of the sometimes surprising ways in which the style makes its presence felt in the architectural landscapes of modern, American cities, including Erie, Pennsylvania.
Location: Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State Street, Erie, PA 16508
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Parking: lot behind building, State Street, 33rd Street, 32nd Street, French Street
Michael E. DeSanctis, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts and Theology at Gannon University, Erie, PA, a Catholic, diocesan institution. He is a four-time recipient of the Student Government Association “Excellence in Teaching” award and has been honored with the Bishop Donald W. Trautman “Feed My Sheep” award for his commitment to the University’s Catholic mission. Dr. DeSanctis is a member of the Commission on Sacred Art and Architecture for Diocese of Erie and has established an international reputation for his work as a liturgical educator, designer and consultant. In recent years, Dr. DeSanctis’ “avocation” as a designer-fabricator of original, three-dimensional depictions of the Nativity has gained him wide recognition. His projects were featured in the September 2016 and Summer 2020 issues of the newsletter of “Friends of the Crèche,” the national organization committed to preserving the art and history of crèche-building, of which he is a board member. He and his physician-wife, Kelli, are members of St. Jude the Apostle Church, Erie, PA, where they head up the OCIA/Adult Education initiative.
