The Lighting Project

Visitors to St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale, PA, are always impressed by the striking collection of murals painted by Croatian immigrant artist Maxo Vanka. Admiring some of the details of the paintings, though, is tougher than it should be, given the architecture of the church and the lack of professional lighting to truly showcase the artworks. The hues of the tempura paintings are not as striking as they could be, and casting the perfect illumination on the paintings is the focus of The Lighting Project.

It would be sinful to illuminate masterpieces that are being destroyed by water damage, as is happening to some of the scenes on the walls of St. Nicholas Church. To stop the damage and to prevent further damage, The Society for the Preservation of the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka has established a fund to first restore, and then light and preserve the murals. An endowment will provide for the perpetual care of the murals.

Rome has but one Sistine Chapel, and Pittsburgh has just one world-famous collection of murals. Maxo Vanka called the paintings his “gift to America.” That gift is now a legacy that art lovers, history buffs, Pittsburgh fans, and many others hold dear. Preserving that legacy means ensuring that the murals are repaired, and then cared for in perpetuity. It’s the least we can do, given the spectacular genius of Vanka’s murals.

Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to the fund this important project.