Katie is an art historian and critic specializing in issues of art, spirituality, contemplative practice and the artistic process. She has written two books, several book chapters, and more than one hundred articles on topics ranging from ancient temples to medieval cathedrals to postmodern art installations. She is the recipient of several research fellowships including a Graves Award in the Humanities, and her work has been shortlisted for Best American Essays. This year, 2026, she has a new book, Church Beautiful: Sacred Art and Spiritual Healing.
In this conversation, we discuss how the incarnation of Christ transformed artistic imagination and how contemporary artists are increasingly engaging with spiritual themes. Our dialogue examines the role of museums as modern temples, the significance of materiality in art, and the value of folk art and communal expressions of spirituality. Katie highlights the evolving role of the artist in society, suggesting that artists are stepping into a more priestly role as they navigate the sacred dimensions of their work.