Mission San Jose, San Antonio, Texas

The Works of Brother Cletus Behlman, S.M. 

Brother Cletus Behlman was born in St. Louis, Missouri and was one of twelve children. He was educated in Catholic schools and later graduated from St. Mary’s University. In 1958, he took his final vows as a Marianist brother and with the permission of the Society of Mary, he pursued art as his vocation. He received training at the Chicago Institute of Art and Washington University. Brother Cletus returned to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio in 1977 bolstering the institution’s art program. It was said of the introverted Cletus that he used his artistic talent to connect with people while bringing them together. His colorful style is a window to his soul; a soul that was exuberant.

Brother Cletus was a prolific painter and donated several hundred paintings to nonprofit organizations to help raise funds. His colorful works are signed simply ‘Cletus’.

“The themes of his art were mostly religious, but overall his work was a “celebration of life.” His art came in metal, acrylic, watercolor, batik, pastel, stained glass, ceramic, handmade paper, linoleum, crayon and other media” --- St. Mary’s University Website

Brother Cletus Behlman, S.M. (American, 1933-2016)
Mission San Jose, San Antonio, Texas
Watercolor on paper
Signed l.r., inscribed with title & location l.l.
22 x 30 inches