Artist proves age is no barrier to pursuing one’s passion By Kristian Biega ’20
Mercyhurst University alumna, former Sister of Mercy, and lifelong learner Dr. Jacqueline Shuler proves that even at 82 years old, no one is too old to follow their dreams or to continue their passions. Shuler has been creating art for more than 60 years — along the way pursuing three degrees in art, teaching preschool-age through college- age students, and designing original works of her own. “Because of full-time commitments to teaching,” Shuler said, “I had to wait for retirement to really start creating daily, but creativity keeps you young. I am in my 80s and just now hitting my stride.” Despite never having formal art education before college, Shuler knew she was passionate about creativity and wanted to pursue art formally at then-Mercyhurst College. At the time, she was better known as Sister Mary David, RSM, and worked closely with her mentor, Sister Angelica Cummings, RSM. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Mercyhurst in 1965 while teaching full time. She went on to receive her master’s in Arts Education from the University of Illinois and was the frst woman in the U.S. to receive the John D. Rockefeller III Fund Scholarship for doctoral studies at Carnegie Mellon University. Her proudest achievement, however, came from a playful challenge while she was attending Mercyhurst College and teaching at St. Luke School next door. With the new church under construction at the time, Father Robert Goodill, frst pastor of St. Luke Church, envisioned that the new stained-glass windows would feature images of infuential Catholics, but Shuler had other ideas. “I suggested that the windows have one gorgeous abstract image running the full length of the church. Father Goodill looked at me like I was crazy,” Shuler said. “He told me that if I thought I knew so much about stained-glass windows, then I should design them myself — so I said ‘sure!’” Excited by her new assignment but not knowing where to begin, Shuler took inspiration from her spiritual life as well as her artistic knowledge of color and composition.
“My plan was to integrate the words of the Gospel of John with a brilliant palette of colors,” Shuler said. “John is the most mystical of the evangelists and my favorite.” Shuler designed each side of the church with a unique image and symbolic spiritual meaning in mind. The design process took her several months as she continued to teach and take college courses. While construction was underway, Shuler refused to let herself see any glimpses of the windows until they were fnished. The church was completed in 1966. “Standing alone in the church that day, I was amazed by the transforming efect of the light streaming through the colorful glass. It fowed softly in rainbow colors all over the pews and the foor, fooding the space with beauty,” Shuler said. The experience was humbling
North window above entrance of St. Luke Church.
The Power of Roots
and emotional for Shuler, and she recalls it as one of the most memorable days of her life, next to the births of her two children. “It really was beyond me,” said Shuler. “I know that there was divine infuence in my work. I could not have come up with that on my own.” Shuler’s current work includes digital art, inspirational quotes, abstract art, and calligraphy. She sells her paintings and calligraphy gifts online on Pixels.com and Etsy. com. She has written several books, including Living Love , Understanding Preschool Art: From Scribbles to Self-esteem , and children’s book Lulu the Lizard .
Shuler’s commitment to her faith, art, learning, and creativity, with its roots in Mercyhurst, has followed her throughout her life. “Creativity is a refection of God as the Creator of all things. The energy of Spirit moves through all life, and I like to think of my artwork as energy in color,” Shuler said.
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