http://www.nljonline.com/May2001/May13.htm

The Virgin Mary in a Bikini
 
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A museum here is defending its depiction of a bikini-clad Virgin Mary after several religious leaders denounced the work.

The depiction, by Los Angeles artist Alma Lopez, is titled, “Our Lady,” and is a digital photograph that includes a bare-breasted angel. Santa Fe’s Museum of International Folk Art said it had no plans to remove the picture -- one of many recent works that intentionally mocks a biblical figure. 

Santa Fe Archbishop Michael Sheehan said the photograph shows insensitivity to a large segment of Santa Feans and a carelessness in the administration of a state-funded institution. A recent meeting by the museum’s regents to discuss the work was cancelled after 750 protesters showed up.