A taste of Italian Art in Our Own Backyard?

We awoke early this morning and turned on Create TV to watch Rick Steves’ travel shows, as has become our custom. Thomas and I both have such a great desire to travel all over Europe.

My Italian Prince

Over the past few weeks it has come to our attention that the Frangipani family, originally from Italy, has within its genealogy a saint — Saint Ottone Frangipani. We also found the Frangipani coat of arms: two lions holding between them three loaves of bread. And if that’s not enough, we learned that this family line was all princes, princesses, lords, counts, and barons!

Interesting for me, because when I wrote my heart’s desire for a husband and laid it before Jesus, I stated that I desired “my Italian Prince.” Jesus, You are awesome — Thomas is my Italian Prince! These findings, along with Thomas’ heritage and his thirst for art and culture, have fueled our hunger to travel all over Europe — especially Italy!

The Church of the Frescoes

Back to today, lol… We were watching Rick Steves when out of nowhere I remembered something my sweet client Mildred had told me about — the Churches of the Frescoes. I mentioned it to Thomas, he began searching on the laptop, and within about fifteen minutes a day trip was decided. Off we went, and soon we came to the first church — Saint Mary’s in Glendale Springs, North Carolina.

St. Mary’s — unassuming on the outside, astonishing within.

Upon arrival, the neatly manicured grounds and quaint church were very unassuming. We were welcomed inside immediately by a beautiful stained-glass window of Jesus and Mary at the tomb, and a statue of Mary with child at the back of the church. But then — turn around, and you will find a fresco of Mary on the left, John the Baptist on the right, and in the center, Jesus on the Cross of Calvary. An interesting note: just above Jesus’ head in this work is a cup, signifying the Second Coming of Jesus. What amazing pieces of art!

The Crucifixion at St. Mary’s — note the cup above Jesus’ head.

The Last Supper

Then we drove on down the road to the other church — Holy Trinity. Here the grounds are much more architectural in design and, of course, well manicured. And within this church is the best fresco of the two (in my estimation): The Last Supper. We literally had to sit down to take in all the details.

The Last Supper at Holy Trinity — look closely, there is an empty stool at the table.

Notice the empty stool in the fresco of The Last Supper. It is there for each of us, for we too are chosen people. We are invited to this table of love and grace. It is up to us to choose whether or not we partake.

The Artist: Ben Long

The frescoes are the work of Benjamin F. Long IV, a North Carolina artist who traveled to Italy and apprenticed for almost eight years under the master Pietro Annigoni, learning the ancient art of “true fresco” — painting directly onto wet plaster. Long became the only non-Italian ever to paint at the abbey of Montecassino, and since 1978 he has completed thirteen frescoes in North Carolina, including a dome in Charlotte. His works hang in collections and churches around the world. Now, who wouldn’t want a piece of his artwork?! (Background: the churches’ own history.)

Wow, who knew? Italian art in the fresco style, right in our own backyard!

Dinner in Boone

We traveled on into Boone, North Carolina, where we ate at Paoluccini’s Italian Grill for dinner: Chicken Marsala, garlic potatoes, and a glass of Villa Puccini Tuscan Red, along with tiramisu for myself; Eggplant Parmesan, garlic potatoes, and crème brûlée for Thomas. Yummy!

Thomas & Audra, on the road — May 13, 2012.

What an enjoyable adventure Jesus gave us today! Since we couldn’t go to Italy just yet, He directed us to a small piece of Italy right near home. I always love the adventures Thomas and I go on — we grow closer together, deeper in love, and anticipate our next adventure together!

Arrivederci, e grazia di Dio a voi,

— Mia Bella 🙂

More Photos from the Day

Click the arrow to hear the narration from St. Mary’s church

Click the arrow to hear the narration from Holy Trinity Church