By DARLA MCCAMMON

Lakeland Arts Association

WARSAW — I have an update on last week’s column. I thought you might like to know that Ms. Muraski’s stained glass window design won the President’s Award at Grace College in spite of the fact she created it believing the person was correct who told her the contest was “over.” Sometimes doing things only for the joy of giving to others does pay off. Congratulations! The four window large display is still available to view for free this week on the main floor of Indiana Hall between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Well, Muraski’s effort to mimic stained glass sent me on a wild bit of research this week!

You have heard the term “epiphany” I am sure. Webster’s refers to it as meaning “a flash of insight,” or “a moment of sudden intuitive understanding.” Did you also know there is a Feast of the Epiphany on the 12^th Day of Christmas? A cathedral in Cologne, Germany along with many other churches in the world offers a magnificent stained glass version of this famous day. Most of us will recognize it, not as the 12^th day or the Epiphany but as the adoration of the three kings or the magi.

Most of us have combined all these events around the birth of Christ into one day—Christmas. In actuality scholars tell us the three kings came around quite a bit later. The church in Cologne houses many historical relics and one of the largest displays of stained glass in the world. The art of making stained glass has a rich history as well and we may delve into more about this art form at a future date.  For now, you should know the Cathedral of Cologne, also called The High Cathedral of Saint Peter, is a World Heritage Site. Construction of this incredible structure began in 1248 and continued through hundreds of years, even making changes to this day. The translucent glass in this multi-paneled depiction of the nativity and the magi is brilliantly executed (photo provided). This window is from 1846 and was installed during one of those early construction phases. It takes a tremendous amount of upkeep to repair and maintain this architectural and artistic masterpiece.

The window depicting the magi fits beautifully within the gothic architecture. Over 20,000 people visit this historic site every day. Having the second tallest spires in Europe, this cathedral, with its twin spires is ranked as the largest façade on a church in the world. The stained glass is also one of the largest collections in the world by master craftsmen..

To learn more about this cathedral and its’ stained glass windows, just use google “Adoration of the Magi, or Ephipany of the Magi.” Happy exploring! By the way, if you are still thinking of creating your own imitation and easy to do stained glass on your window, remember, Ms. Muraski graciously allowed me to provide a step-by-step tutorial on my website. Enjoy it as our Christmas present to you!

Upcoming and Current Events: 

• Jennifer Caudill exhibit at Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery through December. Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• For a fabulous place to find unusual Christmas gifts, check out the Christmas Boutique at the LAA gallery. Open 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, closing Dec 15. Beautiful things are available here, so hurry and find the unique gift!  .

For more information on topics in this column, please contact Darla McCammon at [email protected] or (574) 527-4044.