Where the Sacred is Inhabited

Peggy Huffman

Through her collection of sacred artifacts from different cultures and traditions, Peggy Huffman reflects on the many ways objects serve as Celtic “thin spaces” or thresholds where we meet God.

Peggy’s penchant for collecting religious artifacts began after taking an art history course where the instructor shared an icon of Jesus which stirred her interest in the connection between sacred objects, sacred intention, and the act of prayer in different religions. After her Art History class, she explored the use of icons and learned that in the tradition of “writing” icons each paint stroke is approached as a form of prayer, worship, and meditation. As a result, she began “writing” icons and brought this sacred intention to her varied creating activities like knitting, painting, carving, and cooking.

The most meaningful objects to Peggy are the ones that have been prayed over by its previous owner. Fashioned from a variety of materials, the pieces she collects include crucifixes, sacred hearts, prayer candles, images of Mary, medallions, rosaries, prayer cards and charms, a communion box, icons, a mini font, and a statue of the Lord’s Last Supper. Throughout her travels in United States, Mexico, and Germany, Peggy searches antique shops for these relics where she finds the sacred is inhabited.

Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art is organized and toured by International Arts & Artists.