Just beyond the clock tower at the heart of campus and within the historic walls of Fusz Hall lies a prestigious art museum unlike anything of its kind. The Museum of ContemporaryReligious Art, or MOCRA, is unique not only to SLU, but also to the international art community.

In 1993, MOCRA claimed the distinction as the first museum of contemporary interfaith art in the world, yet many students still do not know that it even exists. As the museum celebrates its 20th exhibit, called Thresholds: MOCRA at 20, Part One: The First Decade, brings together a diverse collection of the artists and artworks previously displayed during MOCRA’s first decade of operation. It also allows students, faculty and the public the opportunity to experience the many powerful exhibitions MOCRA previously brought to SLU.

For centuries, artistic expression has been deeply rooted in cultural faith traditions with countless examples of artists rendering their personal beliefs through well-refined techniques and popular mediums. Today, many associate religious art solely with ancient artists, styles and art forms; but, when considering the messages and images seen in art today, it becomes clear that contemporary art continues to depict what is inherent to human nature, especially spiritual beliefs. The underlying foundation of MOCRA lies in this appreciation and celebration of diversity in all religious traditions and the artistic expression of faith and spirituality.

From 1954 to 1989, Fusz Hall was the home to hundreds of Jesuit scholars preparing for the priesthood or brotherhood. Today, MOCRA exists in the space once used as the Fusz Chapel.

The transition from place of worship to art museum was made possible by curator Fr. Terry Dempsey, S.J. and his passion for contemporary expressions of faith and religion. Twenty years ago, he envisioned a sanctuary for interfaith artworks and made that dream a reality through the founding of MOCRA. Since then, Dempsey has been committed to bringing memorable and meaningful exhibitions to MOCRA and the SLU community.

Today, the exhibitions at MOCRA inspire artists, students, teachers and leaders alike. Most recently, MOCRA was named “Best Museum” in St. Louis by The Riverfront Times.

This accolade reflects how Thresholds is a true testament to the fervent efforts of Dempsey to spiritually resonate with the faith traditions of SLU as well as St. Louis. Dempsey hopes that Thresholds will “demonstrate [that] the artistic engagement with the religious dimension is alive and well in our own time.” Dempsey also preaches the necessity of “using the visual vocabulary of our time to address themes that are the fundamental concerns of all humanity.”

The artistic mediums displayed in Thresholds cover the entire spectrum of the visual arts and religious traditions. Photography, painting, pencil drawing, dance and even inflatable sculptures exemplify just a few of the unlimited ways that Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and aboriginal beliefs can be expressed in modern art. However, such incredible art forms can only be truly appreciated through active experience and viewing.

Upon entering the main gallery space, guests are immediately overwhelmed by a 25-foot-long inflatable statue of the reclining Buddha. “The Paranirvana” by Native American artist Lewis deSoto speaks to the ever-present holiness of the Buddha, even in his hours of death.

Witnessing the process of deflation and inflation of this colossal piece of art mirrors what it may be like experiencing the last breath of a person’s life. Moving to the side chapel mini-galleries, viewers journey into new territory within each unique chapel space.

From Australian Aboriginal paintings of sacred natural elements, to controversial photographs of individuals living with AIDS, to a collection of 65 wildly colorful crosses and crucifixes by Los Angeles artist Craig Antrim, the unique works of Thresholds challenge viewers to step out of their comfort zones and find the value and appreciation of the sacred beliefs of others.

Dempsey works tirelessly to make sure every student receives the opportunity to visit MOCRA and experience the influential exhibitions. According to Dempsey, “MOCRA is a museum where we want all members of the Saint Louis University community to feel welcome. We welcome students and their teachers from the various areas of study at SLU. After all, our students are the principal reason that this museum exists, and I want to make every effort to let them know that MOCRA is their museum, and we want them to come and visit us as often as they would like”

Theresa Devine, a sophomore Occupational Therapy student visited MOCRA for the first time last week. “I was really surprised that this museum was right here on campus, and how cool it was inside. All of the art was interesting and thought-provoking. I wish I had known about it sooner.”

Antrim made a statement that captures the ultimate objective and message MOCRA wishes to translate to audiences. Antrim said, “If you don’t get involved with the religious and spiritual dimensions, then you are denying yourself one of the great definitive aspects of being human.”

Getting involved is as easy as taking a few moments off of your walk through the quad to stop into MOCRA and the discovery of beautiful and meaningful artworks can be endlessly rewarding.

Thresholds: MOCRA at 20, Part One: The First Decade will be on display until Dec. 15.

The exhibit is free to the public and museum hours are Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.