Catholic Art Making An Impact in Mesa

Reporter: Emily Savino

Inside the Sacred Art Gallery

PHOENIX- Catholic paintings are more than just decorating walls, they spark conversations, inspire faith,

and bring people together. From serene saints to biblical scenes, these works of art leave a

powerful mark on the community.

In the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, the Sacred Art Gallery is making waves as a unique space

dedicated to showcasing the intersection of faith and artistry. Located at 1837 W Guadalupe Rd

Suite 110, Mesa, AZ 85202, this gallery aims to highlight the rich tradition of sacred art while

fostering a contemporary dialogue about spirituality and creativity.

Marcus Sobczyk, the Gallery’s General Manager, said, “Personally I have seen people have an

emotional attachment to their pieces because they connected it to some part of their life.”

Sobczyk has seen visitors choke up and break down from the art as it has touched their lives.

“We visit different parishes across the valley and it is something so special to see this artwork

honored in mass,” said Sobczyk. “We have worked so hard to have that and to see it be

incorporated in mass it becomes so special.”

Many local parishes have art in their common spaces for visitors to see. As Sobczyk explained,

art can touch someone personally and give a visual to a feeling or a part of scripture.

“You can see the beauty out in the world every single day, whether it's an image of something or

a person doing something kind. You know, you see beauty all the time. Artwork is all about the

beauty,” said a gallery visitor.

One of the highlights of the exhibition at The Sacred Art Gallery is a striking series of paintings

by renowned artist Jordan Ring-Sakabe, who has journeyed from atheism to a profound

Christian faith, uniquely reflected in his commitment to traditional oil painting. By intertwining his

journey with historical and biblical accuracy, Ring-Sakabe’s paintings become more than just

visual stories; they are invitations to explore faith and spirituality.

Ring-Sakabe has seen his art affect people in many different ways. Ring-Sakabe recently

painted a visual of Christ holding hands with a little girl titled “Of Such is the Kingdom.” The

painting was shared on social media and the feedback Ring-Sakabe received was

overwhelming.

“What I didn’t expect was the numerous comments from various platforms where people shared

with me how the painting had touched them,” said Ring-Sakabe. “I received lots of messages

from mothers who had lost an infant, or a young child, who were particularly moved by the piece

and expressed how they were filled with a great sense of assurance and confidence that their

child whom they had lost was being watched over by Christ.”

Ring-Sakabe was honored to see something he had created helped people who had been

struggling in ways that he couldn’t have foreseen.

Ring-Sakabe's involvement with the Sacred Art Gallery is part of a broader movement within the

local art community to engage with spiritual themes and foster deeper connections among

artists and audiences. As he continues to showcase his work and lead discussions, he is

helping to inspire a new generation of artists and art enthusiasts.

“I think more than anything else, our art helps Christians in our communities by providing them

with imagery, which helps encourage and affirm their devotional lives,” said Ring-Sakabe. “One

thing that the Sacred Art Gallery and its associate artist do is stand as a lighthouse in the storm

of deconstructivist rhetoric for those who still understand the importance and value of

Christ-centered art.”

With the church serving as both a gallery and a stage, the blend of art and spirituality is

revitalizing the Catholic community, proving that creativity can indeed be a powerful form of

worship. As more artists step forward to share their talents, the future of religious art in the

Church looks both vibrant and hopeful.

Pope John Paul II said, “May your art help to affirm that true beauty which, as a glimmer of the

Spirit of God, will transfigure matter, opening the human soul to the sense of the eternal.”