Margie Thompson, SSJ, M.F.A., M.A., M.Ed.
Chestnut Hill College
9601 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
2005: Certificate in Supervision of Spiritual Directors (2005)
Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA
2004: M.A. Holistic Spirituality and Spiritual Direction
Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA
2003: Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Individual Directed Retreats
Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA
1999: Studio Art, M.F.A.
Vermont Studio Center and Johnson State College
1988: Painting, B.F.A
Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA
1981: Art Education, M.Ed.
Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA
1974: 1976 Tyler School of Art of Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
1973: Art, A.B.
Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA
2012 – present: Coordinator of Art Studio Programs
Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA
2001 – present: Associate Professor of Art
Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA
2005 – present: Retreat Director (Summer Staff)
St. Mary by the Sea, Cape May Point, NJ
1998 – 2003: Chair- Art, Art History and Music Department
Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA
1995 – 2001: Assistant Professor, Art Department
Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA
1995 – 2001: Art Consultant/Designer
Saint Joseph Church, Eldersburg, MD
1994 – 1995: Acting Director – Art Education Certification Program
Moore College of Art and Design
1986 – 1994: Assistant Professor
Moore College of Art and Design
1984 – 1985: Adjunct Professor
Holy Family College, Philadelphia, PA
1977 – 1986: Art Teacher / Chairperson of the Art Department
Archbishop Ryan High School, Philadelphia, PA
1976 – 1977: Religion Teacher
Cardinal Dougherty High School, Philadelphia, PA
1975-1976: Art Teacher / Chairperson of the Art Department
Saint Hubert High School, Philadelphia, PA
1973 – 1975: Teacher – Grades 7 and 8
Visitation School, Philadelphia, PA
1968-1972: Teacher – Grades 5, 6, 8
Saint Bernard School, Philadelphia, PA
An Exhibition of 22 Oil Paintings
Martinetti Gallery at Johnson State College, Johnson, VT
2011: “Atmospheric Colors,”
A Series of 28 Watercolor, Oil and Pastel Paintings
June- August 2011
Art by Heart Gallery, Skippack, PA
2010: “Color as Light in Landscape,”
A Series of 15 Watercolor and Oil Paintings
November 2010
Art by Heart Gallery, Skippack, PA
2007: “A World Awash in Grace”
An Exhibition of 50 Watercolor and Oil Paintings Created while on Sabbatical 2005-2006
October-November 2007
Dwight V. Dowley Art Gallery, Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA
2011: “Thresholds of Transformation”
A series of 35 Monoprints
March-April 2011
Celtic Cross Gallery, Doylestown Presbyterian Church, Doylestown, PA
2010: SEPCHE Art Faculty Exhibition
Host, Curator and Exhibitor, series of 8 monoprints from Threshold of Transformation series and 3 paintings from Smugglers Notch Suite
October 2010
Dwight V. Dowley Gallery at Chestnut Hill College, PA
2010: Art Blooms Juried Art Exhibition
Exhibited Two Oil Paintings.
Croft Farm Arts Center, Cherry Hill, NJ
2009: Art Blooms Juried Art Exhibition
Exhibited Three Oil Paintings
Croft Farm Arts Center, Cherry Hill, NJ
2009: “Chests for Hope”
Exhibition of hand-painted pine chests and auction for benefit of Women’s Health Pavilion, Lankenau Hospital. I created a Tuscan Sunset Chest with oil and gold leaf and collaborated with Alumna Andrea O’Driscoll and students Caitlin Shuker, Erika Nix and Alison Borden on a Frida Khalo Chest.
2009: “Project Sketchbook”
Exhibition of my artwork and student artwork in Storefronts on Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill
2009: SEPCHE Art Faculty Exhibition
Rosemont College, PA
2008: SEPCHE Art Faculty Exhibition
Immaculata University, PA
2007: SEPCHE Art Faculty Exhibition
Holy Family University, PA
2006: Building Love in the Neighborhood of the Universe: Sacred Space Exhibition
Milwaukee Conference Center, Milwaukee WI
2013: Resident Artist Grant
Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT
2012: Resident Artist Grant
Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM
2007: Faculty Development Grant
Travel to Findhorn, Scotland Eco-village. Presented Slide Lecture The Universe Story: Your Story to students attending College Program in the Eco-village program.
Chestnut Hill College, PA
2006: Resident Artist Grant
Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT
2004: “Miriam of Nazareth from Age to Age”
Continuum International Publishing Group commissioned watercolor painting for cover art for Dangerous Memories: A Mosaic of Mary in Scripture, Elizabeth A. Johnson
2003: Paint seven [7] watercolor paintings illustrating the Core Values of the Mission of Chestnut Hill College
2003: Design and fabricate program of tapestries for reredos wall and adoration chapel for Saint-Mary-by-the-Sea Retreat House
Cape May Point, NJ
2002: Invited as Artist in Residence for Network Thirtieth Anniversary National Conference
Creating 12 watercolor Mandala paintings. Reproductions of these watercolors were published in Network Journal.
1999: Design Stained Glass Window
9’ diameter, Lambertville Stained Glass St. Joseph Catholic Community
Eldersberg, MD
1999: Design, carve, and paint: Altar, Ambo, and Crucifix for St. Mary-by-the-Sea Retreat House
Cape May Point, NJ
1998: Design, carve, and paint: Reardos Wall: Reconciliation Cross, 7’x 7’, Crucifix 4’x 5’, Processional Cross 9’x3’ St. Joseph Catholic Community
Eldersberg, MD
1998: Full Art Residency Fellowship
Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT
1998: Faculty Development Grant
Chestnut Hill College, PA
1995: Keystone-Mercy Health Plan Commission: 14 paintings for Corporate Offices, The Principles of Mercy
1994: Award Print Commission
Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA
1992-1993: Faculty Development Grant
Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA
1991: Elizabeth Coyne Memorial Prize for Painting
Woodmere Art Museum, Philadelphia, PA
1988: “Best of Show” – Marian Art Exhibition
Metuchen, NJ
1988: Rohm and Haas Corporation Purchase Award
1987: Tomasello Winery Purchase Award
My self-portrait painting was printed on the wine labels for Tomasello Vinyards Chardonnay.
1987, 1988: Outstanding Painter Award
Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA
2012: Anselm Academic Publishing Company published the image “Strange Attractor.”
My multimedia collage as the cover art of the book Trinitarian Relations: Creation, Incarnation and Grace in an Evolutionary Theology, by Gloria L.Schaab. The image “Strange Attractor” serves as art for the chapter headings throughout the book. In addition Chapter 9 of this text includes a color reproduction and analysis of my painting Trinita.
2007: “You Did It to Me”
A series of five pen and ink drawings illustrating the torture of Jesus of Nazareth published in collaboration with Elizabeth A. Johnson in America Magazine, Vol. 196, Whole No. 47764, February 26, 2007, p.14-16.
2007: “Art and the Theology of God as Trinity: Exploring Belief and Praxis through Symbol”
Bridges: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Theology, Philosophy, History, and Science 14: 3 / 4 (Fall/Winter 2007): 191 – 218. This essay includes a color reproduction and analysis of my painting Trinita.
2005 “Network Wisdom Circles”
A watercolor painting published in Network Connection: People Lobbying for Social Justice, May/June 2005, p.
2004: “Miriam of Nazareth from Age to Age”
Watercolor painting published as Cover Art for Dangerous Memories: A Mosaic of Mary in Scripture, Elizabeth A. Johnson, NY: Continuum, 2004
2011: “One Magnificent Conscious Loving Union”
A Response to Journey of the Universe: The Epic Journey of Cosmic, Earth and Human Transformation written by Brian Thomas Swimme and Mary Evelyn Tucker
Institute for Religion and Science at Chestnut Hill College
November 7, 2011
2011: “Art and Spirituality: Spirit Collage and Spirit Masks”
Workshop in Lifting the Creative Spirit: Freeing the Artist Within, a retreat/artist weekend.
St. Mary by the Sea Retreat Center, Cape May Point, NJ.
June 3-5, 2011
2011: Adrian, Michigan: Presented to the Leadership Team of the Adrian Dominican Sisters “Praying in the Heart of the Trinity”
A Five Day Guided Retreat using PowerPoint Presentations of art images, including my own and contemporary reflections on the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity,
January 2011
2009: Contemplating Mary in Advent
Presented to the Associates of the Sisters of Mercy
Merion, PA, December 2009
2007: “A World Awash in Grace”
Gallery talk in exhibition of 50 watercolor and oil paintings created while on Sabbatical 2005-2006 exhibited in the Dwight V. Dowley Art Gallery, Chestnut Hill College, November 2007. This gallery talk was presented to those who attended the opening reception of the exhibition, to the leadership of CHC Alumna Association, CHC Faculty Colloquium, and Academic Committee of the CHC Board of Trustees.
2005-2006: Sabbatical Activities
September 2005: Watercolor painting in Tuscany, Italy, Untours International
January – February 2006: Watercolor Painting in South Florida Everglades National Park; Shark Valley, FL; Everglades National Park; Royal Palm, FL; Spanish Monastery, North Miami, FL; Barry University, Miami Shores, FL; Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Coral Gables, FL
April 2006: Artist Residency – Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT
May 2006: Watercolor Painting in LePuy, the Haute Loire, and the Auvergne, FR
2006: “The Earth Charter and Medaillean Spirituality:” Retreat
Le Centre Internationale de Ste. Joseph, Le Puy, France
2006: “Christology and Art”
Lecture for the Department of Theology and Philosophy
Barry University, Miami Shores, FL
2005: “Art and Spirituality: Right-Brained Approaches to Spiritual Direction.”
Presentation in the Enrichment for Spiritual Directors Series
Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, PA
2005: Served on planning committee for “Rediscovering Fire: Celebrating 50 Years of Teilhard Scholarship” International Conference
Philadelphia, PA
2005: Curated and exhibited in art exhibition for “Rediscovering Fire: Celebrating 50 Years of Teilhard Scholarship” International Conference
Philadelphia, PA
2004: Publication of essay “Teresa of Avila: A City of a Woman” in Constellation, the semi-annual journal of The Center for Progressive Christianity
1995-present: Create original painting for the Chestnut Hill College Christmas card in collaboration with Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, Ph. D. President
The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. I have directed the Spiritual Exercises in the Thirty-day Retreat format and the Retreat in Everyday Life format.
Praying in the Heart of the Trinity. A guided retreat using PowerPoint Presentations of art images, including my own and contemporary reflections on the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity. This Program has been presented as eight-day and five-day retreats and class lectures in theology and Spirituality classes
Drawing on Story: Unpacking the Spiritual Journey through Art. A Guided Retreat using one’s personal life story as content for contemplation. In this retreat music, art and ritual facilitate contemplation as participants engage their own life stories as significant spiritual journeys. This program has been presented in many forms including: 2004 National Conference of Associates of Religious Communities, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY 2004 Archdiocese of Newark Parish Catechetical Leaders Annual Conference/Retreat, St. Elizabeth College, Convent Station, NJ 2001 Eight Day Guided Retreat, Cape May Point, NJ
The Universe Story, Your Story. A program using ritual and art to ponder significant moments in the story of the evolution of the universe contemplating their parallels in the story of one’s personal evolution. This program has been presented in many forms including: National and Regional Conferences, Faculty enrichment days, CHC Global Seminar.
Resonance and Harmony: Relational Images of the Divine. A paper written and presented in collaboration with Kathy Duffy, SSJ, examining the phenomenon of sound from the perspective of science and spirituality. This program was presented 1998 as part of the conference Music, Mantra and Medicine at Elon College, Greensboro, NC.
Image and Likeness: a Guided Retreat for Women. This retreat is designed to help women contemplate their giftedness as women. Using a holistic approach, it uses art activities, mime, guided imagery, storytelling and ritual to address issues of identity and uniqueness; relationship to self, God and others; discipleship and self care, place in evolution.
Wrestling with Angels: Some Women’s Stories. A slide lecture using images of my original artwork and storytelling to contemplate the extraordinary grace of ordinary life, including themes identity, intimacy, power and powerlessness, brokenness, healing and spirituality.
Darkness and Light: the Struggle. A slide lecture using images of my original art works to retell the story of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus and to contemplate applications for daily life.
Contemplating Mary in Art. A slide lecture using images art works, my own and some traditional masterpieces and to retell the scripture stories about Mary of Nazareth, the mother of Jesus and to contemplate applications for daily life.
1999: Sacred Ritual Cloth at CHC, Rita Beyer, Chestnut Hill Local, Thursday, October 7
1998: “Nun’s paintings explore mystery of Resurrection”, The News Journal, Wilmington/Newcastle, DE, March 14
1998: “Light and Dark: The Struggle – Sister’s works infuse tradition with contemporary art”, Dialog, Wilmington, DE, March 12
1998: “Feminist consciousness strong yet Catholic women restrained”, Morning Call, Allentown, PA, March 8
1998: “Artist Presents Wrestling with Angels: Some Women’s Stories for Faculty Retreat Day,” The Current, Somers Point/Linwood/Northfield, NJ, January 20
1988: Art Exhibition Review, Saint Joseph University, Philadelphia, PA Art Matters.
2004: “Art as a Lens for Science and Religion,” Science and Theology News, December 2004
2007 “Sister Margie’s CHC exhibit a part of the Grieving Process,” by Jennifer Katz, Chestnut Hill Local, Thursday, November 20, 2007.
2007: “Family Deaths Lead to Healing for ‘Feminist Nun’”, Chestnut Hill Local, Thursday, November 15, 2007
2012: “Her ‘seats’ in current Morris/Woodmere exhibit: Great faith, great art go hand-in-hand for CHC nun,” by Grant Moser, Chestnut Hill Local, June 20, 2012.
2011: Spiritual Directors International Conference, “Cultivating Compassion,” Atlanta Georgia,” April 2011
2010: Catholic Theological Society of America, Cleveland, Ohio
2010: College Theology Society National Conference, Portland, Oregon
2009: Catholic Theological Society of America, Halifax, Nova Scotia
2008: Catholic Theological Society of America, Miami, Florida
2006: Ian Ramsey Centre for the Study of Science and Religion-University of Santa Barbara International Conference, Oxford, UK
2006: College Theology Society National Conference, Denver, CO.
2006: “Trinita” and “Dance of the Trinity:” watercolor paintings presented in “Art and the Theology of Trinity: Exploring Doctrine through Symbol” by Gloria L. Schaab, Ph.D. at the College Theology Society National Conference, Denver, CO
2006: Catholic Theological Society of America National Conference, San Antonio, TX
2005: “Rediscovering Fire: Celebrating 50 Years of Teilhard Scholarship” International Conference, Philadelphia, PA