Saint Francis of Assisi

Opening alongside “The Midnight Sketches of Ted DeGrazia” exhibit is “Saint Francis of Assisi,” featuring DeGrazia’s interpretations of one of the world’s most recognized religious figures. Through drawings, prints, sculptures, and paintings created between 1950 and 1978, the exhibit traces nearly three decades of the artist’s engagement with Saint Francis and the themes of humility, compassion, and connection to the natural world.

Born in Assisi, Italy, in 1181, Saint Francis became known for a life centered on simplicity, compassion, and care for others. He also held a deep reverence for the natural world, viewing animals, plants, and the earth as part of a shared creation worthy of respect and protection. That connection to nature made Francis an especially meaningful subject for DeGrazia, whose own art and life reflected a profound appreciation for the landscapes, wildlife, and people of the Southwest.