In this issue of DIALOGUE, we celebrate the rich tradition of artistic expression in the CND.

Our congregation today places great importance on those experiences which add an enriching dimension to life: Music, art, crafts, cuisine, sculpture, designing, pottery, dance, drama, woodcarving, gardening, poetry, singing, photography, weaving and other forms.

Strangely enough, according to research by Helen McPhee, CND, the early curriculum of the sisters of the congregation did not include music and art. The first evidence of art in the annals of the CND was a reference in 1841 to ... a young English woman teaching the painting of miniatures to two sisters.

In 1842, six sisters were given lessons in oil painting by a master ... at a cost of thirty dollars for ten lessons. Previous to this time, art and music were considered as being perhaps too worldly for students of the CND.

Around that time, the sisters began teaching the making of artificial flowers at a boarding school as a means of using leisure time to cultivate a taste for artistic works.

The domestic skills so emphasized by Marguerite Bourgeoys (spinning, weaving, knitting, etc.) were stretched to include embroidery in gold, silver, floss, painting in mezzotint, and even instrumental and vocal music

From these simple beginnings we have inherited this rich tradition of artistic expression. We salute and appreciate the contemporary artists whose work is showcased within these pages. Enjoy! The Editorial Committee