Blackfriars Library

Developed over nearly four decades, first by Blase Schauer, OP, and later by Michael Morris, OP, the nearly 5,000-volume collection of books focuses on religion and the arts.

As a specialized library, subjects are limited to aesthetics; Catholic culture and worship; Christian iconography; Dominicans and fine arts, film, and contemporary cinema; myth; and ritual.

In addition to its general holdings, the Library also has several permanent collections that support the permanent art collections, including:

• The St. Dominic's Press Collection includes works created by members of the Guild of St. Joseph and St. Dominic of Ditchling (Sussex, England), along with historical and biographical resources about these craftsmen.

• Also in St. Dominic’s Press Collection are works by poet William Everson (Br. Antoninus) and artist Mary Fabilli, both having been affiliated with the Dominican Order in California and inspired by the work of the Guild artists. Several books printed by Everson were signed and dedicated to Fr. Blase Schauer, OP.

• The William Blase Schauer, OP Collection, which includes archival papers and ephemera related to his project, Liturgy in Santa Fe, along with historical and biographical resources related to the artists with whom he works, including Sr. Giotto Moots and Meinrad Craighead.

The Movie Industry Collection provides general information about key figures and stories related to movies with Biblical themes and topics related to religion, film, and culture. See the link below for a description of the Biblical Movie Poster Collection.

View Library Catalog

Blackfriars Art Collections

This artwork was brought to DSPT expressly to provide students and faculty the opportunity to explore topics in a hands-on manner, utilizing the Blackfriars Galleria as a classroom. Begun by Fr. Blase Schauer, OP, and developed further by Fr. Michael Morris, OP, the collections introduce students to the dynamic relationship between art, religion, and culture.

The art is grouped into several specialized themes: Spanish Colonial, liturgical vestments, St. Dominic’s Press engravings and prints, and holy cards and engravings from the 16th through 20th centuries.

The Gallery hosts three permanent collections:

• The most unique is a selection of first-edition posters and ephemera from Biblical movies of the 20th century.

• Pieces commissioned for use in the Liturgy in Santa Fe project

• Items created by members of the Guild of St. Joseph and St. Dominic and produced by the St. Dominic’s Press, Ditchling (Sussex), England. Also included here are works by William Everson (Br. Antoninus) and Mary Fabilli, both having been affiliated with the Dominican Order in California and inspired by the work of the Guild artists.

You can learn more about our collections from the Past Gallery Exhibits (below) or by browsing our art catalog.

View Art Gallery

Every Image a Prayer: photographic revelations by Alessandro Baccari

A well-known artist, historian, and storyteller, Alessandro Baccari combines his deep faith in God with his highly refined artistic skills in photography to share revelations of the Divine, as captured in everyday encounters with people and places. He has received numerous awards for his photography, as well as the Benemerenti Medal in 1997 from Pope St. John Paul II. He also received the Archbishop Alemany Award in 2016 from DSPT.

Every Image A Prayer Photo Gallery

Putting on Christ: Ineffable Splendor and Liturgical Vestments

A rare collection of sacred vestments and textiles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries collected by Fr. Michael Morris, OP (+2016). You'll deepen your understanding of what it means to put on Christ.

Putting on Christ Photo Gallery

Love's Evangelist

Learn about the life of St. Catherine of Siena, Catherine Benincasa (1347-1380), through a series of beautifully crafted Broadsheets & photographs inspired by letters St. Catherine wrote in the last 10 years of her life. Catherine's letters are always aiming toward the spiritual betterment of the intended recipient. As you peruse the art in this exhibit, it will take you on a prayerful journey through the eyes of this great saint and down the streets of Siena, Italy.

Ecce Homo: Devotional Expressions of Hardship and Healing in the Americas

This collection of Spanish Colonial and Mexican traditional and folk artwork is comprised of pieces that had been collected over the years by the late Michael Morris, OP.

800th Jubilee Art Exhibit: Via Pulchritudinis

DSPT and the The Santa Fe Institute were delighted to offer this exhibition of illustrations and print materials from St. Dominic's Press of Ditchling (Sussex), England. The Press was founded in 1916 by Hilary Douglas Clark Pepler (1878-1951) as a means to advance his ideas for social reform. Items in the exhibition include examples from all of the categories of print materials Pepler published.

Moving Pictures: The Bible and Beyond

An exhibition of worldwide cinematic art inspired by the religious epics set in the ancient world, from Adam and Eve to Constantine the Great, including posters, motion picture stills, lobby cards, books, programs, and props. The “Sword & Sandal” Religion Film Festival accompanied the exhibition with weekly screenings of films showcased in the exhibit.

Learn more about our collection of Biblical cinematic artwork

Early Christianity in the Cinema

Here, international movie posters representing some of the most elaborate spectacles in cinema history recall those films that dramatized the conflict between the Greco-Roman classical world and the emerging followers of Jesus Christ whose spilt blood helped transform and convert an entire empire. Nicknamed “Sword and Sandal” movies for their representation of the ancient world, the genre has remained popular up to the present day.

Learn more about our collection of Biblical cinematic artwork

Monks and Friars and Food

From the ridiculous to the sublime, this exhibition charts those points wherein monastic practices, both real and perceived, have left their mark on culinary history. Fine art, prints, photographs, books, and artifacts have been gathered to amaze, entertain, and instruct viewers in the sweet and savory secrets of the cloister. The majority of pieces in this exhibit are from the Blackfriars Institute for Religion and the Arts (Berkeley), an affiliate of DSPT.

Open Space Inside-Out: The Architectural Drawings of Arnold S. Constable

Prominent in the creation of worship spaces throughout the Bay area, Arnold Constable is of particular importance to DSPT and the local community. Intended as a didactic meditation, the exhibit includes both historical facts about Constable and his architecture and spiritual reflections. In keeping with the mission of DSPT, the exhibit opens up space for conversation, whether as a personal interior meditation or a chat with other visitors.

Evidence for Peace: Four Interpretations of the Stations of the Cross

In this art exhibition at Blackfriars Gallery, DSPT Alumnus Lam Khong presents four series of paintings and drawings. Each contains fifteen pieces which depict the fourteen Stations of the Cross, plus the Resurrection of Christ. Using traditional materials such as oil, graphite, wood or paper, each series is executed in a different expression and subject matter, from minimal abstractions to representational landscapes.

Visual Meditations from Thomas Merton’s Abbey of Gethsemani

Visual Mediations from Thomas Merton's Abbey of Gethsemani offers three components which, together, provide a glimpse into the history and life of the monks of The Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani (Kentucky). The exhibit includes restored stained glass panels from the windows of the Neo-Gothic church of the Abbey, photography and poetry by the Abbey monks, and media clips by and about the monks, including its most well-known member, Fr. Thomas Louis Merton. (J. DiStefano, artists).