Father Frans Claerhout has spent most of his life in occupied countries. When he was studying for the priesthood in his native Belgium, the Nazis invaded. Not long afterward, in 1946, Claerhout moved to the Republic of South Africa where he still lives near Tweespruit in the Orange Free State–teaching, distributing food and clothing, and running interference between his poor, black parishioners and the white power structure.
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But Claerhout has built a reputation beyond his good works since 1957, when he embarked on a second vocation as an artist. His oils, watercolors, and sketches have begun reaching a wider audience thanks to a trip Claerhout recently made to Chicago. Support for the visit was spearheaded by Jim Vrettos, owner of Evergreen Fine Foods and a longtime admirer of Claerhout. It was Vrettos who put Claerhout in touch with Gallery 1616, where Claerhout’s art went on display in June, and Nicole Gallery, where the show moves next week. Profits from the priest’s paintings support his mission center back in Africa.
Father Frans Claerhout’s art is on display through July 26 at Gallery 1616, 1616 N. Damen (486-7942). On July 28 it transfers to Nicole Gallery, 734 N. Wells (787-7716). Call the galleries for more information.
