To view examples of works from the exhibit, click here

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The sacred writings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam recognize angels as prophets, interpreters of dreams, and instruments of divine judgment. The word derives from the Greek 'angelos',

meaning 'messenger', a role often assigned to angels in the Bible. In Christian tradition, art, and literature, the Archangel Gabriel is often portrayed as the herald of the Second Coming. This tradition is clearly represented in weathervanes depicting the archangel, trumpet in hand, on the steeples of New England churches.

Angels have always been popular images in folk art, so it comes as no surprise that they would occupy such a prominent place in the exhibit, "Millennial Dreams: Vision and Prophecy in American Folk Art", now showing at the Museum of American Folk Art in New York City, through May 14, 2000. The very first thing a visitor encounters upon entering the museum is a collection of Angel Gabriel weathervanes. The angels are joined by polychromed wood figures of Michael, who traditionally battles Satan.

If you can't make it to New York to see the show, The Museum of American Folk Art

offers a full-color catalog, "Millennial Dreams: Vision and Prophecy in American Folk Art," which can be ordered for $10 plus shipping and handling from:

Mail Order, Museum of American Folk Art Book and Gift Shop
Two Lincoln Square
New York, NY 10023
212-977-7170