Center for Sacred Art

About Us

The Center for Sacred Art is an independent arts organization based in Seattle since 1997. We develop, produce, and present quality programming and content that illumines and celebrates the intersection of contemporary spirituality and the sacred arts. Our activities include educational events, public programs, research, and publications that are grounded in a historical understanding of sacred art. Our programs are known for their depth, beauty, and richness of content.

Our approach is holistic and multifaith, as we explore the heart, mind and spirit of the world's sacred art traditions. We open doors to beauty and wisdom by providing understanding and contemplative experiences of chant, visual art, and sacred space.

We offer a varied selection of programming through talks, residential and day retreats, concerts, and workshops. (See our upcoming and past events.)

We seek to reclaim the practices and traditions of sacred art as a tool for supporting connection, spiritual growth, and healing. We are interested in re-establishing the traditional connection between sacred art and inner work (prayer and meditation, visualization, and other forms of spiritual practice).

We believe sacred art is a uniquely effective vehicle for identifying resonances among religious and spiritual traditions throughout the world.

The Center seeks to identify commonalties that lead to an integrative understanding of humanity and world sacred art.

Would you like the Center for Sacred Art to give a program or presentation for your organization? Email or call us at 206-781-8544 for more details.

This site is also the source for information about Peregrine Medieval Vocal Ensemble, an affiliate of the Center for Sacred Art.
Click here for more about Peregrine, their performances, and their CDs--which are available through CD Baby.

Victoria Scarlett, Director

For over 30 years Victoria has specialized in the understanding, appreciation, and history of sacred art, the visual culture of which it is part, and its place in devotional practices. She is interested in reclaiming sacred art as a tool for conscious living, spiritual practice, and building a culture of peace. Her teaching combines respect for tradition and scholarly integrity with a passion for the transformative possibilities of sacred art for individuals today.

Victoria has led art tours in San Francisco and Seattle museums, and has taught in a variety of settings, including the University of Washington, Evergreen State College, Seattle University, and the Seattle Art Museum--as well as a variety of spirituality and retreat centers, churches, and cathedrals throughout the Northwest. Victoria is a graduate of San Francisco State University (B.A. in Studio Art); John F. Kennedy University (M.A. in Museum Studies); and the University of Washington (M.A. in Art History).

Those who have attended Victoria's talks, workshops, and retreats have described her presentations as "spiritual," "inspired, learned, and caring." Remarking on her programs as "very memorable," comments have included: "fabulous slides," "the images were gorgeous, your narrative was informative, authoritative and entertaining, and your delivery was well-paced." "All together it was a very memorable experience." At Evergreen State College where she's given guest presentations periodically, the hosting professor describes Victoria's talks as "a favorite among the students."

Joseph H. Anderson, Associate Director

Joseph is an accomplished vocalist and founding member of Peregrine Medieval Vocal Ensemble (Artists-in-Residence at St. Mark's Cathedral, Seattle). He has studied, performed, and taught Gregorian chant and chant-based forms for the past 18 years. Joseph has taught and lectured throughout the Northwest on spirituality, religious traditions, and sacred sound, and is an award-winning storyteller. He studied Biblical literature at the Graduate Theological Union and the University of California at Berkeley. His particular interest is in traditional sacred music as a form of spiritual practice in the world's religions.

Joseph's chant resume