Reviving Faith & Hope Through Sacred Art
The Catholic Art Institute is pleased to present its 6th Annual Conference, with the theme “Reviving Faith & Hope Through Sacred Art,” scheduled for September 19 & 20, 2025 at the Catholic University of America. This gathering will feature six distinguished speakers from across the artistic disciplines, bringing their insight, experience, and expertise to bear on the pressing questions about the role of beauty in our liturgy and culture. The conference is geared towards artists, art lovers and patrons alike, and provides a unique opportunity to network with creative and entrepreneurial Catholics from around the world.
Featured Speakers
- James C. McCrery, II, AIA, NCARB, classical architecture practitioner, founder of McCrery Architects and Director of Classical Architecture & Urbanism at Catholic University, McCrery brings a wealth of experience in ecclesiastical and civic buildings informed by profound symbolic meaning. Most recently, he was commissioned to design the new White House Ballroom by President Trump.
- Fr. Patrick van der Vorst, Precentor at Westminster Cathedral, former art-world leader and founder of Christian.art. Recently ordained to the priesthood (June 2023), Fr. van der Vorst brings a remarkable background—25 years as a Director of Sotheby’s Europe including auctioning collections of the Duke & Duchess of Windsor and Elton John. Fr Patrick is the Cathedral Precentor and Prefect of the Sacristy. He oversees the liturgy and coordinates special services, liaising with the Music Department. As founder of the Christian.art website, he offers daily meditations of gospel readings accompanied by sacred art, as well as video presentations on sacred art.
- Duncan G. Stroik, architect, scholar, and advocate for sacred architecture. As a Professor of Architecture at Notre Dame and founding editor of Sacred Architecture Journal, Stroik is celebrated for designing liturgical masterpieces like Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel in California. His writings, including The Church Building as a Sacred Place, offer guidance on how beauty can elevate worship.
- Dr. Barbara Nicolosi, screenwriter, producer, and cultural prophet. With 23 years in Hollywood and membership in the Writers Guild of America-West, Nicolosi blends faith and mainstream storytelling. Her credits include Fatima (2020) and The Last Supper (2025) and theological consultant to Mel Gibson for The Passion of the Christ (2004).
- Dr. Mark Nowakowski, composer bridging tradition and innovation. As composer-in-residence for His Majesty’s Men and composer for the Mass of the Ages trilogy, Nowakowski’s music has been released on the Naxos and DUX labels. He will speak about the unique dignity of the vocation of the arts of the beautiful.
- David Riccio, conservator and plaster-gilding specialist. As a principal at Canning Liturgical Arts, Riccio is a leading expert in historical plaster, decorative painting, and gilding, having directed restoration on landmarks including the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Wisconsin and The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Pennsylvania.
Event Highlights
- Opening Mass (September 19) – A Votive Mass of Bl. Fra Angelico at the Dominican House of Studies Chapel, accompanied by choral selections of Palestrina and Guillaume Du Fay.
- Friday & Saturday, Presentations & Receptions – Each followed by moderated Q&As, with a VIP Reception on Friday for VIP ticket holders to engage with the speakers and a general reception on Saturday for all conference attendees.
- Exhibitors – Canning Liturgical Arts, Albl Oberammergau, Conrad Schmitt Studios, Evergreen Architectural Arts, Exquisite Art, King Richard's Liturgical Design, Harrison Design Architecture, St. Augustine Academy Press, and Willet Studios will be exhibiting and meeting with conference attendees.
Additional Sponsors: The Non Profit Solution, New Jerusalem Studios, Atelier Sirio. Liturgical Arts Journal.
Tickets & Participation
Member rate: $300; Non-member: $350; VIP: $400 (includes reserved front seating and access to VIP reception).
Registration closes September 16, 2025. No walk-ins.
To register please visit; https://www.catholicartinstitute.org/conference2025
We hope to see you at one of the most exciting Catholic events of the year focused on restoring beauty and excellence to the Catholic arts!
