We’ve already discussed a different success story in public broadcasting with our Ken Burns drinking game alongside his classic Civil War series, so it’s not surprising that this week we’re looking across the Atlantic towards another 1990s public broadcasting sensation, Sister Wendy. Sister Wendy Beckett is both a nun and art historian who grew in popularity with her multiple series focusing on art history. From religious to American art, her multiple shows brought art history out of 
books and colleges and into the homes of average people.
It doesn’t sound all that exciting at first, but having a nun lecture you about art history can be surprisingly entertaining. The amount of research crammed into each episode, which includes short asides into the biographical natures of the artists themselves as well as mentions of general themes found through various periods, is presented in an easy to follow format and the viewer is never overwhelmed. In addition, the amount of passion that Sister Wendy as a narrator pours into each work is always entertaining, rarely do you find a documentary series where the passion that the historians feel is exuded throughout the entire duration of the show. Finally, the aesthetic nature of a nun in full religious habit taking you on personalized tours of the world’s most famous art museums is an experience that can’t adequately described over text.
Role-play that you’re sneaking a few cold ones into the museum of fine arts this weekend with our Sister Wendy drinking game.
Sister Wendy Drinking Game Rules
Take a drink…
- When the viewer is brought into a new museum
- With every extreme close-up of faces
- Whenever you learn something new
Take this list as a suggestion, and drink responsibly. As always, enjoy the show.
Check out the rest of Spire Magazine’s Collegiate Lenses series.
Leave a Reply