Sisters' Stories
Adjusting to Catholic culture and a good cup of tea
A Hundred Pounds and Counting: Sister Suanne Flanagan
The Impact of SSNDs: Rachel Ridley, IND alumna
Celebrating Sister Bernice Volk and her 99th year on earth!
For the Love of Hildie
Opera-Loving Students Sing the Praises of Sister Doris Kresslein
One Hundred Years of Wonderful - Sister Margaret Bauer Turns 100 Today!
National Catholic Sisters’ Week in Canada
Sister Alice Zachmann, SSND: Champion of Peace and Non-Violence
For the love of sisters
Why I Love Azaleas
Thankful for School Sisters of Notre Dame
Celebrating Sister Teresia Spodnik and 80 years of ministry
Entrance Into Postulancy
Sister Margaret Giblin - Serving the Latino Community for More Than a Half-Century!
A Call to Serve in Latin America
Offering Support After the Tree of Life Synagogue Murders
Cooking With Sister Theodore!
Experiencing Prison Ministry
Sister Margaret Ellen Traxler: Champion for Diversity, Inclusivity and Equality
Clara Beall Portfolio
Sister Clara attended the Maryland Institute College of Art through the 1970s, at a time when some believed that “a degree in Fine Arts led nowhere.” Although slight in stature, Sister Clara’s nature - lively, determined and courageous - buoyed her while teaching full time, tending to community service, and pursuing her degree. “If you don’t feel well, you push a little then.” Sister Clara received a Master’s degree in Fine Arts in 1979 and has an extensive portfolio, recently digitized, of her sculptures, etchings, paintings, block prints, silk screens and jewelry to prove it.
Sister Clara talked about the wonderful experience she had as a student at the Maryland Institute, but also the difficult days. In some ways, the 1970s were a continuation of the turbulent 60s, playing out against a backdrop of opposition toward the Catholic Church. Sister Clara, dressed in what was then traditional for SSND, a black dress and veil, said she felt she was at the college campus at that time for a reason, “I think God puts you where you belong.” Many of the other art students embraced her disciplined lifestyle, appreciated her nonconformist spirit, and confided in her - she developed some deep and lasting friendships. Sister Clara said of the students, “Scrub them down and they were good kids.”