The Theopolis Project is hoping to keep the momentum strong following its successful inaugural exhibition last month, with its co-founders bringing a special evening with renowned Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz to Toronto’s Regis College on July 11. 

As plans for the group’s next major event finalize, the executive director and co-founder of the Catholic art and culture organization took a break from planning to reflect on Theopolis’ inaugural launch event, “The Drama of the Soul.”

“ It was a lot of work with a lot of moving parts, but we were very happy with how things turned out. Our opening weekend pre-launch party, which kicked off the silent auction, as well as the public opening night, were both sold-out events, as well as the following weekend’s lecture,” Eden O’Brien revealed. 

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All told, Theopolis' first step into the public eye saw the group manage to sell close to 50 per cent of the exhibit’s artworks, bringing upwards of $9,300, the majority of which went to the artists themselves.

“There were good sales, support and turnout, and while I was in work mode the whole time, I think the people attending the events really enjoyed it. Notes of feedback I was getting were that people even enjoyed just being able to meet each other and make connections,” O’Brien said. 

While Schmalz may be down the original model of his Life sculpture, given to the highest bidder of May’s silent auction, the prominent Catholic artist will return in another supportive role in Theopolis’ next venture towards championing the role of renewed faith and culture. 

O’Brien and the Theopolis Project remain ever grateful. 

“ He has served as a great mentor who is extremely generous with his time and his art itself. A number of our milestones have been due to his ideas and input. While I can't speak for him by saying he's wanted to see a project like this done, I think (our mission) is something he finds very encouraging, and I can't express enough how grateful we are to him in helping bring this project together,” she told The Catholic Register. 

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As part of the July 11 lecture, Schmalz will reflect on his life, work and vocation as an artist from his beginnings as a sculptor in Toronto to the process and inspiration behind the Dante Sculpture Garden on the campus of the University of St. Michael's College and some of his other major works.

After the lecture from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., attendees will be able to join a walking tour of two nearby sculpture installations by Schmalz, Let the Oppressed Go Free and the Dante Sculpture Garden  — which consists of 100 bronze relief sculptures. 

Guests can also purchase a handful of original preparatory sketches created by Schmalz in the development of the garden, with proceeds funnelling back into the Theopolis Project.

Regardless of artist status, the event promises something for everyone interested in the Catholic cultural landscape. 

“(Schmalz) does have an interesting story, but also a very deep and interesting understanding of what art does in the world. I'm particularly interested in learning more about his art theory, but there is a wider goal of educating and encouraging artists, while audiences can recognize why what they’re doing is important,” O’Brien said. “ I think most of all we want people to go away feeling excited and inspired about our mission.” 

In early August, Theopolis will also offer a workshop on artistic vocations and Catholic Social Teaching at the Ottawa Cardus offices, a private artist’s retreat at Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, Ont., later that month and a major public lecture in October. 

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“We hope to continue to have lots of stuff on the go, and hope our community stays in the loop as more opportunities arrive,” O’Brien said. 

To register, see zeffy.com.