The Dove Art Center was founded as a tribute to the Rev. Carl Nau, the rector of St. Paul's from 1921 until 1947. Mr. Nau was an English artist who came to the United States to design jewelry for Tiffany's of New York. He later became a priest. Mr. Nau had a very strong influence in the architectural design of St. Paul's. He favored the Neo-Gothic features including the Grinning Gargoyles that are on the bell tower.
The Dove Art Center honored the legacy of Mr. Nau who was a very talented watercolor artist. The Center held a two-week summer camp and a Saturday morning academy for area children. This outreach effort continued Mr. Nau's commitment to enhancing the community and improving the lives of others. The Center also cooperated with other organizations such as Kaw Valley Arts and Humanities, Theater for Young America, Camp Shakespeare, the Alvin Ailey Dancers and The Renaissance Academy.
The Grinning Gargoyle project at St. Paul's provided funds for outreach programs which helped the needy. The Grinning Gargoyle statue was scuplted by a local Kansas City, Kansas artist and was hand cast by local artisans in a studio and the bottom of the church tower. Proceeds went to support the parish's feeding ministries and the Dove Art Center activities.
The St. Paul Coloring Book is a digital reproduction of the Stained Glass that represents "Scenes from the Life of Jesus" as told in the stained glass windows of St. Paul's. The windows are located in the nave of the church. The coloring book is used by Sunday Schools across the country and is available as a gift for all children.