From Inspiration to Illumination: An Introduction to The Saint John's Bible

Called “one of the extraordinary undertakings of our time” by Smithsonian Magazine, The Saint John’s Bible is the first handwritten, illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine Abbey in over 500 years. This monumental work in seven volumes was officially commissioned in 1998 and the final “Amen” of Revelations was penned in May of 2011 by calligrapher and artistic director, Donald Jackson, at his scriptorium in Wales. Replete with original art, including illuminations in gold, silver and platinum throughout, The Saint John’s Bible has been praised by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, saying “This is a work of art, a great work of art ... a work for eternity.” Ecumenical in its conception, the images draw from all major faith traditions, and include contemporary imagery, such as a view of earth from space, as well as more traditional images. For more information, visit www.saintjohnsbible.org.

Tim Ternes, Executive Director of The Saint John’s Bible Project at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, will present “From Inspiration to Illumination: An Introduction to The Saint John’s Bible” on Monday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Carleton College Weitz Center for Creativity Cinema. This is a wonderful and rare opportunity to learn more about the conception, processes, tools, methods and materials used to make The Saint John’s Bible. Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to handle vellum and writing quills and to see full-size, beautifully-bound fine art reproductions of some of the pages of The Saint John’s Bible. This event is free and open to the public.  Doors to the Cinema will open at 7:00 pm.