Ben D'Arconte

Iconographic Expert

The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi had a special exhibit of Ben's icons from December 14, 2003 to January 17, 2004. This is an explanation of what Icons are from Ben's view. We will provide pictures of these icons later.

"According to Mr. DArconte, iconography is theology expressed through images. "The icon is a liturgical and sacred art which is regarded as the visual manifestation of Christian truths" he wrote/ "Its spiritual significance is that the icon is a boundary- a window- a transition between this world and the spiritual world. It's a kind of imaginary boundary-here- yet there, touching the spiritual realm while rooted in our world"

Icons have traditionally been used in the churches of the East. The word "icon" originates from the Greek, meaning image or portrait. In its broadest sense, it means a holy image to which special veneration is given.

Icons are created according to a prescribed Canon developed by the early Fathers of the Church. The Canon was developed to safeguard the doctrinal content of the icon since iconography is theology expressed as image. For this reason an icon is said to be "written" as opposed to " painted" since icons are the visual recording of scripture through artistic means.

Joe Saccio

As a sculptor… Joe writes: " I have won many awards in art competitions in the Northeast U.S. area. I have had several one-person and two person shows and have been in international group exhibits in the Connecticut area. Critical reviews have been excellent and sales very good as my local reputation has grown. I make large outdoor pieces and installations as well as small pedestal or free standing sculptures in a variety of media, e.g. wood, stone, metal and fiber."

Joe Collins

In 1984 Joe was included in "Who's Who in American Art". He was admitted as a Juried Member of the Arizona Artists Guild in 1999.

Among Joe's numerous art and literature achievements are:

• " Galaxy Seven" a novel published in 1996 (available through www.amazonbooks.com)
• "Which End Is Up" an un-produced screenplay.
• "Galaxy Seven" a screenplay based on his novel, 1999.
• Included in over 38 juried art exhibitions from 1978 to present.
• Nine awards ranging from 3 Honorable Mentions to One First Prize, Best in the Show for art works in Acrylics.
• One-man show at the Barbados Museum, St. Michael, Barbados.
• Second Place, Playwriting Contest, and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, 1969 for one act play "Elephants' Graveyard."

Joe has been on the Board of Directors of the Angel Light Academy in Phoenix, Arizona, since 1996. He is included in www.artistsregister.com/Arizona.