Clement Manor Life Enriched Art Gallery

Free and open to everyone daily from 8am to 7pm.

Inspiration.

Upon entering Clement Manor, one’s eyes are immediately captured by the magnificent, hand-carved doors leading to the chapel. An inspiration to all who behold them, they are the creation of a remarkable woman, Sister Helena Steffens-Meier.

Born in a small farming community in Iowa, Sister Helena came to Milwaukee at age 16 to become a School Sister of St. Francis. Her teaching career spanned more than 50 years, 21 of which were spent teaching art at Alverno College. From 1971 to 1980, Sister Helena was artist-in-residence at Alverno before establishing her own studio at the Milwaukee mother house.

It is particularly appropriate that Sister Helena’s work, which, in addition to sculpture, includes painting, sketching, metal casting, ceramics, stitchery, and even jewelry design, has such an important role at Clement Manor. She offered this advice, at age 83, for people who face the challenges of growing older.

“I would tell older people that they still have something to give to the world,” Sister Helena said. “Most people see old age as a time of stagnation, but I have found that it offers opportunities.” With her traditional humility she said, “I ask the Holy Spirit to work through me so that what I shape will have life and spirit, so it is worthy of a redeemed person.”

Sister Helena’s work serves as the inspiration, as the opportunity, for the encouragement and celebration of art by people of all ages in the CLEMENT MANOR LIFE ENRICHED ART GALLERY.

The Gallery is located near the main entrance to the Health Center at 3939 S. 92nd Street.

Open daily from 8:00am to 7:00pm.

For more information about the Gallery, please contact Keri Gerlach, Director of Marketing, at (414) 546-7995.