The Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Testament are the sources of inspiration for a contemporary art exhibition of works by Christian and Jewish artists opening at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels March 2. Titled, "Passion/Passover: Artists of Faith Interpret Their Holy Days," the multi-medium exhibit on display through May 1 explores the spiritual significance of Easter and Passover.

"This art exhibit highlights and celebrates the close bonds of friendship and respect between the Christian and Jewish communities of Los Angeles," said Msgr. Kevin Kostelnik, the cathedral's pastor. "From our beginning day, we have emphasized that our Cathedral is a 'House of Prayer for All Peoples.' This art exhibit is therefore an appropriate and exciting expression of this pledge."

The 14 featured artists were selected by the Cathedral's Arts and Furnishings Committee, chaired by Gayle Garner Roski, commissioner of cultural affairs for the City of Los Angeles. The artists, representing painters, photographers, and sculptors, include Pat Berger, Jane Brucker, Barbara Drucker, Michael Dvortcsak, Lalo Garcia, Laurie Gross, Laura Lasworth, Deborah Lefkowitz, Judith Margolis, Jim Morphesis, Stas Orlovski, Father Michael Tang, Ruth Weisberg and Patty Wickman.

According to Arts and Furnishings Committee member, Gordon Fuglie, director of the Laband Art Gallery at Loyola Marymount University, visitors to the Cathedral art exhibition will be surprised by the range of artistic expressions as well as the contemporary sensibility of the display. "Since the 1980s, there has been a steady growth in art that engages with the Judeo-Christian tradition," declared Fuglie. "This is remarkable because many in the contemporary art world long assumed that religious content was moribund."

An opening reception with the artists will be held March 2 from 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on the Cathedral Plaza. The free event (RSVP required) will offer light refreshments and a no host bar. On March 13 at 4 p.m., a free panel discussion focusing on the exhibition's artwork from an art historical perspective will be held at the Cathedral Center (RSVP required) followed by a tour of the exhibit. To RSVP for either event, call (213) 680-5224.

Panelists scheduled to speak March 13 include: Gordon Fuglie of LMU, Laura Geller, senior rabbi at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills; Jesuit Father Michael Tang, professor and chair of LMU's Department of Art and Art History; and Ruth Weisberg, dean for the School of Fine Arts at the University of Southern California.

The exhibition will be open to the public during regular Cathedral hours. From March 1-March 26 (pre-Daylight Savings time), viewing times will be Mon.-Fri., 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beginning March 27 and continuing through May 1, viewing times will be Mon.-Fri., 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sun., 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Parking is available at the cathedral for a flat rate of $4 weekdays after 4 p.m. and on weekends. Regular parking rates apply during weekdays before 4 p.m. For more information, call (213) 680-5224 or visit the Cathedral website: www.olacathedral.org.