Artistry and faith unite for new museum collection

The Blessed Stanley Rother Museum will soon house seven new prints by the renowned artist Carmen Lind Pettersen to its collection.

These prints, donated by an anonymous benefactor, are accompanied by a rare book entitled “The Maya of Guatemala: Life and Dress,” also authored by Pettersen. The book, the prints and other artifacts regarding the artist capture the life and traditional dress of the Indigenous Mayan people, enhancing the shrine’s exhibition.

“This new art exhibit will establish the largest collection of Carmen Lind Pettersen’s prints in the United States, offering our visitors and pilgrims a unique and comprehensive view of Pettersen’s art and the cultural heritage of the Indigenous Mayan people,” said Deacon Rob Blakely, director of pilgrimage at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine.

The museum's new addition was made possible through the support of Roger and Vicky Berger from Arizona. The Bergers are frequent travelers to Guatemala and have donated numerous items to the museum. Among their contributions are traditional garments, meticulously handwoven by local women, preserving an art form that has been passed down through generations.

The exhibition, open to the public, will open at 9 a.m. on July 26.