Vatican Seeks to Reassert its Dominant Role as Art Patron

VOICE OF AMERICA
By Jean Di Marino

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican - once the world’s premier art patron - is again reaching out to artists, organizing an exhibit of contemporary works. Sixty living artists, including two Americans, were invited to reflect on the theme of truth and charity. U.S. artist Max Cole, 75, was one of them. She found herself shaking hands with Pope Benedict while standing in front of the painting she submitted to the Vatican's exhibit. “I thank you very much for embracing the spirit of art and the artist,” she said to the pontiff. PHOTO: Max Cole's "Saltflat". [link]