Pastor Peter Stengele is stepping down after many years as curator of the Hegner Art Exhibitions
With the current exhibition “Where Eyes Look at You,” Mr. Peter Stengele brings his impressive tenure as curator of the Hegner Art Exhibitions to a close. Since 2004, he has initiated, organized, and staged numerous exhibitions with extraordinary dedication.
In a very personal expression of gratitude, Provincial Superior Sr. Maria Paola Zinniel paid tribute to his work and his extraordinary contributions to the “Art and Church” dialogue. She credited Peter Stengele with making the Hegne Convent a place where this dialogue is conducted with dedication and a spirit of challenge, and where it is continually inspired anew through exhibitions.
In her remarks of thanks, Sr. Maria Paola emphasized the role and attitude that defined Peter Stengele: “Advocating for art—or rather, for the dialogue between art, artists, and the Church, as well as between those who are searching and those who have faith—is not something you do on the side. It demands total commitment; it demands the whole person, with all their convictions and attitudes. You, Mr. Stengele, have risen to the challenge and have devoted yourself heart and soul to this task.”
Evangelization, first and foremost, does not mean delivering grand sermons, but rather living out the Gospel. According to Pastor Stengele, it’s about finding a way to stay “on the path of the Gospel.” We need places where people can be supported, draw strength, and meet others—just like at the art exhibitions in Hegne.
Time and again, Mr. Stengele reminded the sisters and the visitors to the exhibitions that art speaks to the viewer and that there is no single, all-encompassing meaning to a painting or a sculpture. Rather, there is a personal message that can only be heard if there is openness and a receptive audience—much like God’s message.
Sr. Maria Paola described Mr. Stengele as an inquisitive person who constantly strives to discern what lies beyond the visible. His passion is to convey God’s Good News in contemporary language. She praised his commitment to fostering dialogue between art and faith—especially here in Hegne (the monastery, the hotel, and the Theodosius Academy)—as incomparable and “priceless.” She noted that Mr. Stengele has made “Art in Hegne” a hallmark of quality.
As a token of her gratitude, she presented him with a painting by the Swiss Sister of the Cross and artist Gielia Degonda, titled “Wegmarkierung,” as well as a gift basket.
Many thanks to Mr. Stengele for his tireless dedication and his work in fostering dialogue between art and the Good News here in Hegne!
The exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through January 28, 2024 .
On each of the four Saturdays during Advent , Pastor Gebhard Reichert will offer biblical reflections on the figures depicted in the artwork at 3 p.m. in St. Elisabeth Chapel.
Let yourself be inspired during this VIDEO by Peter Stengele.
