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Take a "tour" of Sister Gregory Ems paintings.

Sister Gregory Ems

Sister Gregory Ems, OSB, (1869-1954) was born in Bradford, Indiana, and entered the Benedictine monastery in Ferdinand, Indiana, in 1890. Sister Gregory made temporary vows in 1892 and perpetual vows in 1900.

Appointed monastery artist around 1900, Sister Gregory spent the rest of her religious life painting and serving in various departments at the monastery.

Sister Gregory studied art for a short time in Cincinnati under Frank Duveneck, a renowned Covington, Kentucky, artist. The Duveneck influence is quite visible in Sister Gregory’s paintings.

Sister Mary Robert Palmer, OSB, was quoted as saying "Duvenek sent her home after a rather short time, telling her that she was especially gifted in art, particularly in drawing hands."

According to Sister Mary Robert, Duveneck told Sister Gregory that she was already more advanced than what he could offer her. He told her to go home and do artwork.

Forty-three of Sister Gregory’s paintings are inventoried, many hanging on walls throughout the monastery or resting among other monastery art pieces in the archives. Some may be found at other monasteries, and a few are in the possession of family members and friends.

Quick facts about Sister Gregory Ems:

• Sister Gregory Ems was born Elisabeth Ems on September 1, 1869. She died on April 16, 1954.
• Sister Elnora Shidler, OSB, — a Ferdinand Benedictine — is her great niece.
• She is also the great aunt of Bishop Gerald Gettelfinger, Bishop of the Diocese of Evansville.