Precious Words
Current Exhibition:
Precious Words
Manuscript illumination of religious texts and ritual prayers has been an integral part of the Christian culture since the medieval period. This exhibition explores transitions in this art motif in response to developments in technology and culture. From original folios to high quality facsimile editions, the variety makes evident the ongoing desire to render texts precious.
Inviting the Christian family to consider abstinence in a fresh way during this upcoming season of Lent, Pope Leo XIV recommends, "Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect .... In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace."
OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Blackfriars Gallery.
2301 Vine Street | Berkeley, CA 94708
BROWNBAG LUNCH PRESENTATION: The Book of Kells - and the importance of artistic facsimile sources. Presentation by Dr. Kathryn Barush, Monday, March 16, 2026, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Gallery hours during the academic year are Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
HOLLYWOOD BIBLICAL EPICS SERIES
Blackfriars Gallery & Library is also presenting an exhibition of Biblical Movie Posters at Brandstater Gallery at La Sierra University (Riverside, CA): Sacred Cinematic Spectacles - Rare biblical film lithograph posters explore the spiritual power of material culture, from February 23, 2025 through March 16, 2025.
WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE that Blackfriars Gallery & Library has developed two important educational tools from this spectacular Biblical Movie Poster Collection
- Hollywood History through Biblical Epics is a two-part online lecture by Richard Lindsay, PhD and Ryan Parker, PhD. The video presentation takes the viewer through the history of the American movie industry as seen through the lens of biblical and religious epics.
- Hollywood Biblical Epics: the Podcast is an immersive, engaging, narrative sound documentary in five episodes created by Richard Lindsay, PhD and Ryan Parker, PhD. Focusing on the history of biblical and religious films in Hollywood, it features interviews with three experts on biblical films: David Blanke, Matthew Page, and Adele Reinhartz.
We rely on the help of our benefactors and friends to make this valuable and unique collection available.