The Meaning Within the Letters / A Framework for Connection
Paper Cuts by Nancy Schwartz-Katz
Exhibition On View
July 28 – December 31, 2022
The Temple Museum of Jewish Art, Religion, and Culture
The Temple-Tifereth Israel
26000 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood, OH 44122
map & directions
Public Viewing Hours: Wednesdays 1:00 – 4:00 pm
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About The Exhibition
Nancy Schwart-Katz’s 22 Hebrew letter portfolio explores the letters visually and tactilely through her spiritually engaging multi-layered paper cuts. She explains, “Though distinctly mechanical, the Hebrew alphabet has a depth of meaning and mystical connection to the larger universe that G-d has created. Each letter is much more than a medium to write text – they are a guide, a framework for sharing a connection with others. It is a way for one to facilitate and to exchange ideas, a ritual script that alternates between G-d’s actions and the instructions to the reader for everyday existence. This allows us to engage with one another in our daily lives, enabling us to transform ourselves to make a difference in this world.”
Nancy Schwartz-Katz’s interest in the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet has inspired many beautiful and meaningful pieces of art including The DNA of Language sculpture that is on view in The Temple Commons which transforms the area with glistening floating Hebrew letters.
About The Artist
A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Nancy found Judaica to be the perfect way for her to intertwine her artistic talent, love of learning, people, storytelling, and her Jewish heritage. Schwartz-Katz’s papercuts are an intricate play on the balancing of negative and positive space to emphasize concepts while telling the stories of individuals, organizations, and history. Her art is in the collections of Synagogues, hospitals, foundations, and the homes of hundreds along with exhibiting in shows nationally. She lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio with her family, her sweet dog, and grand-cat.