Basilica Artist Suspended Over DVD to ART Project

MINNEAPOLIS - Basilica of St. Mary Artist in Residence Lucinda Naylor was suspended Saturday after posting her intention on Facebook to turn anti gay marriage DVDs into an art project.

"Yesterday, the pastor of the Basilica of Saint Mary suspended me from my position as Artist-in-Residence (a position I've held for 15 years)," Naylor wrote on her DVD to ART blog. "This came 48 hours after I facebooked my intention to spearhead a personal art project turning the archbishop's disheartening, divisive DVDs into an artwork about inclusion and hope."

Last week, the Minnesota Catholic Conference started mailing DVDs to Catholics across the state. The DVDs ask voters to watch and listen to the DVDs and contact their state lawmakers.

"The bishops of Minnesota are alarmed by the continuing attacks on the institution of marriage, and we are taking action," Winona Bishop John Quinn wrote to his parishioners.

Naylor wants to "create a beautiful piece of art using the free art materials being sent out by the archbishop." She said she wants to "transform the DVDs of fear into art of hope" and is asking anyone with a copy to send it her way.

More reaction from Lucinda Naylor on www.dvdtoart.blogspot.com :
 

Disappointed as I am by my suspension, I do not want to overly focus on it," Naylor wrote. "My primary focus remains on making a great piece of art in collaboration with all of you who donate DVDs.

However, I must note that I am both startled and humbled to find that I join the ranks of people before me who been silenced or ousted one by one for disagreeing with the church. Maybe in 500 years, I, like Galileo, will get my suspension lifted.

The Catholic Church is full of wonderful, loving people. The DVD to ART project is about highlighting those folks who say, "Yes, let's come together and welcome everyone."

"All are welcome at the table" is not just an Episcopalian saying. If Jesus was physically here today he wouldn't be dining with tax collectors, he'd be dining with drag queens.

Please help me continue with my vision by donating your DVDs and spreading the word about the project. I want to create a sculpture so big and beautiful that everyone will see the love that is at the heart of the Catholic Church.