After
Before
Conserving Maxo Vanka’s Murals
Vanka’s bold murals face age and conditions that naturally occur in an old church atop a hill.
The preservation of the murals is being led by fine arts conservator Rikke Foulke. In 2022, the conservation team include conservators: Ana Alba, Patricia Buss, Cindy Fiorini, Cricket Harbeck, Jessica Keister, Patty Huss West and Rhonda Wozniak. Conservation technicians: Kate Pirilla and Aaron Regal.
As of summer 2022,
14 murals have been conserved.
2010: Pieta
2011: Mati 1941
2011: Croatian Mother Raises her Son for War
2013: Immigrant Mother Raises her Sons for American Industry
2013: Injustice
2013: Simple Family Meal
2014: Justice
2014: Crucifixion
2015: Prudence
2015: The Capitalist
2017: Christ on the Battlefield
2018: Mary on the Battlefield
Conservation of the Battlefield Scenes made by possible by: Snee Reinhardt Charitable
Foundation, Opportunity Fund and many generous individuals during the 2016 Pittsburgh Gives
Day of Giving.
2022: St. Francis and St. Clare
Conservation of St. Francis and St. Clare was completed in partnership with the Rivers of Steel Heritage Area. Funding was provided in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Environmental Stewardship Fund, administered by the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation.
The grant was matched through the generosity of: Julia Bubanovich, Christie Clayton and Michael Burkitt, Marya and John Halderman (on behalf of the Vanka Family), Janet Kafka, John A. Martine, Melissa McSwigan and Robert Raczka, Jennifer Novotny Mulrooney, Rita Perstac, Julia Royall, and Barb Spelic.
Current Work
Phase II: High Walls and Ceiling Murals
Through the support of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Heinz Endowments, the Vanka Murals completed a Keystone Planning Grant in 2021 that defined the scope of Phase II of conservation: Old Testament, New Testament, the four Evangelists, Transcendent Vision and the Apostles flanking the main altar.
With a portion of the Save America’s Treasures grant dedicated to the conservation of these murals and other investments in long-term preservation of the Vanka Murals, the conservation team will return to the walls of St. Nicholas in 2023.