Sister Loretta Hoag, D.C., a Daughter of Charity of the Province of St. Louise, is a sculptor and art educator who resides in Albany, N.Y. She uses art as a way of gathering and sharing experiences in the Roarke Center, a social service agency. The art program is designed to involve and affirm independent adults with disabilities and chronic mental health issues.
As an accomplished sculptor for 30 years, Sr. Loretta designs images in wax and casts in bronze at the Pollich-Tallix Fine Art Foundry in Newburg, N.Y.
"Art, word or image, can witness to the reign of God, the light of God's dream for each of us, in our time. For me, sculpture is a "mission and form of services that gives special attention to the 'seeds of the Word, present in all cultures, in order to grow in the understanding of the Gospel here and now.
Imagery of the past often no longer communicates with current believers. This urges me to pursue sculptural imagers which demands interaction with the viewer.
The impetus for this flows from the contemplation of Jesus Christ, stillness in the presence of God, coupled with life given in ministry with persons living in situations of poverty. I am impelled to make visible God's Word alive, living among us."
Education
2000 | Weaving, Arts Center of the Capital Region, Myra Dorman, Troy, NY
1991 | Foundry, studied under Roger Mack, Chairperson of the Art Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY Summers (1983, 1987-91)
1984 | State University of New York at New Paltz, New Paltz, NY, MS in Studio and Art Education
1983 | Introduction to Computer Graphics, C.W. Post, Long Island University
1982 | Introduction to Computer Graphics, New York University
1976 | Temple University, Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA, BFA equivalent
1966 | St. Joseph's College, Emmitsburg, MD, BA in Education
Experience
1997 - 2013 | Roarke Center, Troy, NY, Coordinator of Arts
1984 - 1997 | St. Mark's High School, Wilmington, DE, Art Educator, Grade 9-12, drawing, ceramics: hand building and wheel throwing, painting, printmaking, art appreciation, three dimensional design and introduction to art principles
1973 - 1984 | Our Lady of Lourdes School, Utica, NY, Art Educator, Grade K-8, development of an elementary art curriculum centered on the artist and communication
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Utica, NY, Coordinator of Religious Education for children with developmental and handicap conditions
Elementary Art Education consultant for the eastern region of the Diocese of Syracuse
1972 - 1973 | Joseph School, Holbrook, MA, Grade 6
1969-1972 | John's School, Albany, NY, Un-graded middle school, teach the arts program
1967 - 1969 | Joseph School, Petersburg, VA, Grade 3
1965 - 1967 | Catherine Laboure School, Harrisburg, PA, Grade 3
Commissions
2010 | St. Louise & St. Vincent: Collaborators in a Vision, Daughters of Charity, Province of St. Louise
2008 | Design the Logo for the Days of Enrichment for the Albany Diocese
2007 | God's Dream: Crucifix, bronze sculpture, St. Mary's Crescent Parish Chapel, Crescent, NY
2006 | Kateri Tekakwitha, bronze sculpture, St. Mary's Crescent Parish Chapel, Crescent, NY
1997 | Design the organization logo for the Roarke Center
Awards
2011 | Presentation and unveiling of St. Louise & St. Vincent: Collaborators in a Vision in Baltimore
Convocation of the Daughters of Charity, Province of St. Louise
2009 | Catholic Charities, Rensselaer County, Staff Person of the Year
2004 | MacNamara Foundation, Residency Award
1992 | AED, Art Education of Delaware
1991 | NAEA National Art Education Association Eastern Region Secondary Art Educator of the Year
1988 | Elizabeth Kormedy Religious Small Sculpture, Washington, DC
1987 | Elizabeth Kormedy Religious Small Sculpture, Washington, DC
1980 | Outstanding Teacher, Diocese of Syracuse, Utica, NY