Members of the Guild of the Museum of Biblical Art were recently treated to a special Tea in celebration of Valentine’s Day, and the Museum’s upcoming 50th anniversary on February 23. Guests gathered in the Ballroom for a beautiful tea that was served buffet-style with antique silver and crystal that has been donated by Guild members, and a presentation by long-time museum supporter, Jeanette Korab, professional artist, photographer and jewelry designer.
Patricia Martin, Director of Development, invited everyone to enjoy the tea and then hear the presentation. Guests included Suzanne Palmlund, Anja Woodson, Laura Sparkman, Patti Sparkman, Roberta Byrd, Paulette Martsolf, Lisa Petty, Cathy Haynes, Mary Ann Bryant, Mary Burnham, Victoria Pittman-Waller and Helen S. Towne. The tea offerings featured a celebratory cake that was topped with a sculptural recreation of the MBA building by Museum Conservator Maria Valentina Sheets.
After guests had filled their plates and tea cups and enjoyed visiting with one another, Helen S. Towne, Guild President and MBA Board Member welcomed everyone. Scott Peck, Museum Executive Director and Curator, recognized special guest Mrs. Roberta Byrd on the Museum’s 50th anniversary by saying, “Mrs. Roberta Byrd’s husband, D. Harold Byrd, Jr. is the son of the original founder, Mattie Caruth Byrd, and without his dedication and determination to re-found and rebuild the museum after the fire in 2005, we would have no museum today!” He went on to highlight upcoming events. “We have an exciting year planned with exhibits on the ‘Twelve Tribes of Israel,’ by Marc Chagall,” said Peck, “and we will inaugurate the Mosaic Institute with our second Mosaic Exhibition that will feature work by international artists.” He concluded his remarks by inviting everyone to register for upcoming workshops on creating mosaics and Ukranian Easter eggs. Ms. Martin briefly traced the history of the Museum since its founding on February 23, 1966 and introduced the featured speaker, Jeanette Korab.
Jeanette Korab, wife of the late artist Vladimir Gorsky, whose immense painting, “Tapestry of the Centuries,” was given to the Museum in 2010, gave a presentation entitled “Biblical Stones and their Historical Meanings.” She pointed out that the twelve gemstones on the Breastplate of Aaron, are probably the most significant stones mentioned in the Bible. She also discussed her travels which have inspired her own career as an artist, photographer and designer and importer of current jewelry and recreations of ancient designs from Turkey. Her jewelry was available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Museum to support their educational programs.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF BIBLICAL ART
The Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, Texas is unlike any museum in the world. It has a simple mission: to display art with a Biblical theme. It is one of the few museums in the country that is devoted to Biblical themes. It was established in 1966 and named the Museum of Biblical Art in 1999. Nothing of its size exists in the United States, making it a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. Diverse types of art are exhibited including bronze sculpture installations, drawings, fine prints, and oil paintings. Specialized galleries have been created for Biblical Archaeology, Jewish Art, Religious Architecture, Israeli Art, Women’s Art, African American Art and Hispanic Art.
The Museum is a cultural crossroads, utilizing art for tolerance and understanding reflected in the various archaeological exhibits and decorative art from Israel and the Holy Land. The new National Center for Jewish Art is dedicated to Jewish and Israeli artists, artifacts and ceremonial art. Works by George Tobolowsky, Jacques Lipchitz, Menashe Kadishman, Tobi Kahn, Yigal Ozeri, and Goeffrey Laurence.
The MBA's vision encompasses the classical arts with a call to beauty which emphasizes the Biblical figurative art illustrating the narratives of the Bible, and a call to the study of classical Greco-Roman art, archaeology and architecture. Museum featured artists Include: John Singer Sargent, Marc Chagall, Ben Shahn, Michelangelo, Paolo Veronese, Francesco Guardi, Agam, Kathe Köllwitz, Albert Pinkham Ryder, Emil Nolde, James Tissot, Oskar Kokoschka, Bernard Buffet, Andy Warhol, Everett Shinn, John Marin, and many more.
The MBA - Museum of Biblical Art
7500 Park Lane
Dallas, TX 75225
214-368-4622
Across from the North Park
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 to 5:00
Late night Thursday until 9:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
www.biblicalarts.org