Artist John August Swanson paid a four-day visit to Emory's Candler School of Theology last week, including leading a workshop on "Visio Divina," Latin for "divine seeing," a spiritual practice of praying in response to art.  The Jan. 25 workshop was co-led by Don Saliers, William R. Cannon Distinguished Professor of Theology and Worship, Emeritus and theologian-in-residence.

Noted for his finely detailed, brilliantly colored paintings and original prints, Swanson has works displayed in some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and the Vatican Museums. His works combine a richness of detail that conveys the diversity of the human experience with an emotional simplicity that evokes the transcendent unity of the human spirit.

Candler has the largest public collection of Swanson's artwork, which is on display throughout the theology school's buildings. Swanson's archives are also housed at Emory's Pitts Theology Library, including biographical papers, correspondence, audio-visual materials and more.