McCreless Art Gallery History
Dr. Glen and Andrea McCreless, moved by the practice of Christian faith in the own lives, and inspired by their own study and collecting of European religious art and sacred objects from the 13th through 19th centuries, have chosen to share a number of items from their personal collection with the Incarnate Word community of students, their families, faculty members and the general public in an accessible and inviting facility. This enables them to express the goodness, beauty and grace of the Christian heritage upon which the university is founded.
The Mission of the university is to
significantly contribute to a future for the world in which 
Catholic life,
its moral values, and its spiritual and aesthetic sensitivities flourish
in a pluralistic, global society that appreciates and respects difference
and diversity, upholds freedom and the pursuit of truth and seeks justice
and fair treatment for all. In accomplishing this goal, the university
seeks to enlighten and educate all of its students and their families,
its friends, benefactors, and the public at-large, whether practicing Catholics
or not, about the actual and historical contributions that Catholic faith
has made to the development of the world’s culture.
The university gives special attention to the role of Catholic faith in
the development of European and Western Civilization which gave birth to
the university’s sponsoring congregation—the Sisters of Charity
of the Incarnate Word—and the university’s mission to educate
all citizens to lead enlightened, productive and fulfilling lives.
From the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, religion was the primary vehicle of European artistic production. Although the Roman Catholic Church was the principal driving force of art for its churches and cathedrals, individual patrons also commissioned religious works for their chapels and private devotions. Liturgical objects were used to visually inspire and educate a largely illiterate public about church doctrine. Portable altarpieces and illuminated manuscripts functioned as aids to contemplation and provided models for personal piety.
All of the lovely items placed on campus from the McCreless Collection have been chosen to inspire all members of the community and persons of all faiths. Among the many comments and responses of appreciation for this wonderful resource, one Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word stated: the items serve to “refresh the soul”. UIW Professor Mary Elaine Jones added: “it signals one to relax and breathe; it conveys the mission of the university in the subtle and beautiful medium of art.” The McCreless Art Gallery has become a vital link in the cultural corridor of San Antonio art museums from the downtown area through the McNay Art Museum.
