Ministry: Reverend Joyce McDonald
The first book dedicated to the sculptural practice of Reverend Joyce McDonald, published on the occasion of her solo exhibition at The Bronx Museum.
Through sculpture, Reverend Joyce McDonald crafts moving testimonies to themes that have shaped her life: hope, grace, and serenity, but also hardship, loss, and devotion. Her work often depicts figures in repose or embrace, embodying the strength, support, and unconditional love that has sustained her life.
McDonald began working with clay in 1997 through an art therapy program, shortly after her diagnosis with HIV. She quickly recognized the medium’s potential for healing and transformation. Working intuitively, she allows figures to emerge from the clay, giving form to memories and emotion while processing experiences of addiction, domestic violence, and illness.
An ordained minister, spirituality and service are integral to McDonald’s life and work. She understands her art as an extension of her ministry, a channel for divinity, compassion, and healing. A self-described testimonial artist, McDonald is open about sharing her own story—“from the shooting gallery to the art gallery”—through her artwork to inspire confidence and dignity in others.
The fully-illustrated catalogue features essays by Kyle Croft and Dr. Jareh Das, alongside a conversation between McDonald and fellow artist Rafael Sánchez.
112 pp, hardcover, 9.75 x 7.75 inches
Text by Kyle Croft, Dr. Jareh Das
Contributions by Reverend Joyce McDonald, Rafael Sánchez
Edited by Kyle Croft
Managing editor and production: Todd Bradway
Copyedited by Sophia Larigakis
Designed by Adelheid Christian-Zechner, CZA Design
Published by Visual AIDS, 2025
ISBN: 978-1-7326415-8-7
Major support for the catalogue is provided by Girlfriend Fund and SJ Weiler Fund.