SIPPING WINE. THE FAINT aroma of la cuisine de France in the air. The rhythm of a live band. The feel of a cool breeze. The sights of a beautiful and tranquil garden.
SR. MARY BETH INGHAM WELCOMED GUESTS TO THE ANNUAL ART IN THE GARDEN EVENT. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE
The fourth annual Art in the Garden fundraiser on May 17 was a feast for the senses for community members who came out to support a good cause. Hosted by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange at their motherhouse on Batavia Street in Orange, this year’s event had a French theme that paid homage to the congregation’s beginnings 375 years ago in Le Puy, France.
“Once again we gather to celebrate our charisma and our mission along with all of you,” said Sr. Mary Beth Ingham, general superior. “Friends, families, partners and colleagues, this year we are delighted to integrate the theme of our 375th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Le Puy, France. Yes, for us today, Art in the Garden meets la joie de vivre (the joy of living). So, on behalf of all the sisters, I’m here to express our deep gratitude to all of you for your continued support for our congregation and our shared mission.”
The open-air event featured an abundance of art to take in, enjoy, purchase or bid on. From watercolors, oil paintings and sculpture to lace, crochet stuffed animals and beaded jewelry, the majority of art was handmade by the sisters. Sr. Mary Elizabeth Nelsen, who made a landscape watercolor of Vienna and several of the forest, was one of many sisters who donated their artwork.
THE OPEN-AIR EVENT FEATURED AN ABUNDANCE OF ART TO VIEW PURCHASE OR BID ON.
“Art has always been something very important to us, and it’s not just art as in watercolors,” Sr. Mary Elizabeth said. “The art of music, the art of drama — these are wonderful ways to express yourself.”
The arts are a part of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s heritage, noted Sr. MaryAnne Huepper, sister co-chair of Art in the Garden. Four years ago, when the congregation decided it was time to start hosting events again, they wanted something that would bring people together but was also distinctive and special. Thus, Art in the Garden was born.
“The arts are very embedded in our educational system, who we are and in our training,” said Sr. MaryAnne. “We’ve been exposed to the arts. So, we thought this would be great, people would enjoy it, we would share our grounds and it would be a lovely event.”
THE 2025 ART IN THE GARDEN HOSTED BY THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE BOASTED A FRENCH THEME COMPLETE WITH A FRIENDLY MIME.
Several sisters pointed to the night’s ability to build new connections and revitalize old ones as their favorite aspect of the annual event. Art in the Garden co-chair Sr. Sara Tarango said it also served as a chance for the public to meet the sisters, see who they are and where they live.
“One of the things I like to relate to people is how we are just normal people,” Sr. Sara said. “So just come, enjoy a beautiful afternoon in our garden, see the artwork the sisters put together, enjoy the music and eat good food.”
THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH’S ANNUAL ART IN THE GARDEN FUNDRAISER HAD A FRENCH THEM THAT PAID HOMAGE TO THE CONGREGATION’S BEGINNINGS 375 YEARS AGO IN LE PUY, FRANCE.
The evening also offered the community a chance to get to know the five ministries the sisters are trying to raise funds for.
The CSJ Shelter for Refugee Families has sponsored eight families seeking asylum to come to the U.S. by helping to find them homes, navigate the legal process and fund basic needs.
The St. Joseph Worker Program is a year-long service program for young women. The volunteers have already given more than a thousand hours this year with local nonprofits, said CSJ Executive Director of Ministries Robert Choiniere. The Center for Spiritual Development nurtures spiritual lives locally and abroad through programs and services, such as training for spiritual directors and helping others find spiritual directors. The St. Joseph Justice Center advocates “for the poor, the unhoused, the abused, the marginalized in our society, including our own dear mother earth,” Choiniere said.
THE ST. JOSEPH WORKER PROGRAM IS A YEAR-LONG SERVICE PROGRAM FOR YOUNG WOMEN.
The CSJ Educational Network supports the faith formation and spiritual development of students, teachers and administrators across 24 schools. The network has also given more than $45,000 to arts programs.
“Together, the directors and staff members of the CSJ-sponsored ministries are embarking on a new journey together to deepen our collaboration among ourselves and within the community, hoping to build a strong foundation of community empowering one another,” Choiniere said. “I want to thank you for your continued friendship and support. Your generosity and your trust in us enable us to serve others in need, to support the enduring CSJ charisma that’s been around for 375 years: to bring others together and to bring them to God. With your help, we’ll continue to do that.”
The Sisters of St. Joseph was founded in 1650 by the Jesuit priest Jean-Pierre Medaille, who had the then-unconventional idea that women’s religious communities should go out among the people and help them. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange moved its motherhouse to Batavia Street in Orange in 1922 and has been serving the community ever since.