A New Dawn for Catholic Art - Theopolis' Inaugural Exhibition - Empowering Catholic Artists + Renewing Faith & Culture
Theopolis Unveils “The Drama of the Soul”: A New Dawn for Catholic Art in Ontario, Canada
A movement to revitalize Catholic culture is arriving in downtown Toronto this May. Theopolis, a non-profit dedicated to bridging the gap between the sacred and the secular, is launching its inaugural exhibition: “The Drama of the Soul.” Inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, the exhibition gathers over a dozen Catholic artists to explore the complexities of human existence, nature, and the soul. Set against the backdrop of a modern, materialistic age, the showcase invites audiences to rediscover a contemplative posture through beauty.
Exhibition Details
Dates: Weekends, May 2 – 17, 2026
Location: 183 Gallery, Downtown Toronto
Media: Painting, iconography, photography, sculpture, and mixed media.
Special Events:
May 1: Exclusive pre-launch silent auction featuring the original model of Timothy Schmalz’s Life.
May 9: Guest lecture by artist I.J. Makan.
May 16: Live musical performance by Hugh Beresford.
The Vision: Beauty as an Encounter
Founded by long-time friends Eden O’Brien and Monica Sifert, Theopolis was born from a shared desire to support artists while engaging the public. O’Brien, the Executive Director, draws inspiration from the biblical encounter between the Apostle Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.
"People can be exposed to media they don't fully understand and still be moved spiritually by it," O’Brien explains. "We are creating a space of encounter with people's own souls."
Defining "Catholic Art"
Theopolis champions a broad, vibrant definition of Catholic art. It is not limited to traditional liturgy but includes any work created within the spirit of the Faith that prizes creative excellence. The organization values art that:
Contemplates the transcendentals (Truth, Beauty, and Goodness).
Engages with the complexity of sin and suffering.
Celebrates the dignity of mankind.
Looking Ahead
Beyond the exhibition, Theopolis aims to build a permanent community for Ontario-based artists, providing them with professional services, financial support, and spiritual formation. By gathering talent from the region, the organization seeks to "lift the gaze heaven-ward" and prove that even in an era of AI and tech, the human soul remains the ultimate masterpiece.
The co-founders bring a wealth of expertise to the project:
Eden O’Brien (President): Eden holds an MLitt in Theological Aesthetics from the University of St Andrews and a B.A. in Philosophy from Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College. Her work explores the intersection of art and truth, with research in 19th- & 20th-century Aestheticism, Religion & Literature, and Tolkien’s poetics. Eden has contributed to academic projects including co-editing a volume for the Edinburgh Journal of Inkling Studies and serves as associate editor for Transpositions. Passionate about the dialogue between faith and the arts, she has spoken at numerous events and currently works in Business Development across North America and Europe.
Monica Sifert (VP of Operations):Monica studied sacred art, fine art, and iconography in Florence, Italy; Crete, Greece; and Phoenix, Arizona. She also holds a B.A. in Philosophy and Literature from Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College. Inspired by the Italian Masters, the Pre-Raphaelites, the Arts & Crafts Movement, and even “bad art” she seeks to reimagine, Monica creates art that transforms inspiration into beauty. She is passionate about craftsmanship and loves making things from scratch. Alongside her artistic practice, she works as a Corporate Paralegal. Learn more about her iconography and wood burning artwork at www.iconicstudioart.com.
Source: https://www.theopolis.ca/about-us
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