By Michael Motes

A large sculpture in Piedmont Park drew a lot of attention during the recent Atlanta Arts Festival. The unusual composition was entitled "Woman: 1978" and was the work of St. Jude parishioner Rose James.

Not only was the work eye-catching, but it was one of eight entries submitted to the Festival to receive a grant to help defray the cost of exhibition, such as moving the large work from the studio, erecting a suitable exhibition platform and the like.

But recognition of her talents is nothing new for Mrs. James. She has received the Outstanding Leadership Award from Georgia State University, where she has been a "Dean's List" student, and has received top awards in painting and sculpture at several regional level shows.

A native of New York states, Mrs. James has been a resident of Atlanta for over 20 years. She was active in Cathedral and Holy Spirit parishes before becoming a member of St. Jude's.

While teaching CCD classes, she realized that students often do not know what to do with their art. She volunteered to help Sister Genevieve Sasche in explaining art to the students and has been interested in sharing her views on art ever since.

"What I would really like to see develop," she says, "is a local artists' group just for Catholics. So many other organizations exist for Catholics, but the artists have nothing. It would be wonderful if a group of us could get together and exchange our ideas."

In order to contact other Catholic artists, Mrs. James has gone to the trouble of renting a post office box. Choosing the title "Artists for Change," she invites correspondence at P.O. Box 76303, Atlanta, GA 30328.

"I have remained Christian in a world in which it is difficult to stay a Christian," she says. "By exchanging viewpoints with other Catholics, I think all Catholic artists could benefit."

Mrs. James, who turned from painting to sculpture several years ago, is a veteran of numerous art exhibits. Her work has appeared at the Handshake Gallery in Atlanta, LaGrange College, Georgia State University and in the now defunct art shop at the High Museum of Art. She was among the invited artists to participate in "Thirteen (Minus One) Atlanta Sculptors" and "Festival of Women in the Arts," which was in celebration of International Women's Year.

She holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts Degree from Georgia State University and has studied painting and drawing at the Atlanta College of Art.

Although the majority of her major work is done in studios at Georgia State University, the artist maintains a studio in her home.

Perhaps this will become the home grounds for "Artists for Change" someday. But, undoubtedly, we'll hear more from Catholic artist Rose James.