Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1259963
SiG MT 46 scraps, metal given to her by the Air Force base, wire, and fabric, could be recycled into art. She was the college's first art teacher and, in 1933, became department chair. At her death on July 24, 1965, from complications of blood cloing in the lungs, she had taught art and French at the college for 33 years. Her legacy is found in those she inspired and the vast artwork produced in her pursuit of creative expression and spirituality. As a trailblazer in art education, she had the first kiln, given to the college by the Anaconda Company, and was the first state art educator to facilitate art telecom courses. Not only did Sister Trinitas teach and inspire others about art, but she also immersed herself in art and, along with her students, always had a project in progress—especially spiritual art that enhanced the grounds and buildings of the fledgling campus. e art at the Galerie highlights her multi-media interests. Most of the pieces were completed when she was teaching at the college; however, a few were done before she entered the order and show that she had had a passion for art since youth. ey include sketches; oils; sculptures; ceramics; calligraphy; gold, brass, and silver pieces; acrylics; watercolor, stained glass, and metal work. She fused both ancient classical religious art design with modernistic styles in her depictions. "We have enough of Sister Trinitas's art in storage that we can frequently rotate exhibits, especially weaving for which she was well known," said Nicolas Estrada, campus minister. "She endorsed the philosophy of her order who were pioneers in educating women to take leadership roles. Nuns from the order became administrators in their hospitals and schools. In her unassuming way, Sister Trinitas touted women's abilities and gis," said Estrada. In a communion plate, called a paten, Sister Trinitas added to the center of the piece an engraving of Jesus standing in a boat, but instead of including in the boat the disciples who were all men, Sister Trinitas imprinted Sisters of Providence in their full habit. Also to be seen at the Galerie are stained glass and metal sculptures done by Sister Trinitas who, it was said by a Seale newspaper, had "armed herself with a chisel, mallet, and blowtorch for the greater glory of God." Stop by to enjoy the new Galerie at the north end lower level of the University Center building on 20th Street South in Great Falls. e Galerie is open Monday – Saturday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. It may take up to an hour or more to see the exhibits. You will be glad you took the time. A life-long interest in communications made Suzanne Waring first a college instructor and then a writer. She lives in Great Falls and writes about Montana people and their communities. S MT The loom found in the Galerie is representative of Sister Trinitas' well-known skill in weaving. This metal creation was done by Sister Trinitas as her final project for a master's degree. Nicolas Estrada, campus minister, who often guides visitors and relates stories about Sister Trinitas, stands in front of one of her depictions of the Stations of the Cross.