OTTAWA — A new ceramic tile mural — measuring 5 feet by 5 feet — adorns the wall just inside the new addition to the Saint Peter and Paul Catholic school in Ottawa. The mural was designed by Sister Jane Mary Sorosiak.
According to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic school Principal Connie Niese, the new artwork was created by ceramic assistants Sister Magdala Dalvin and sister Maria Spino as well as installer Hans Klinck.
The trio began work on the new mural in September, completing it Thanksgiving week, before it was placed in the new addition that was completed in December of 2021.
Niese said two days before Thanksgiving, the group was ready to install the mural. The two-day process included one day to install the ceramic pieces and one day to install the grout, began the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Pastor Scott Kramer first suggested that the Dalvin and Spino would be a great fit for designing and creating an appropriate mural.
Sorosiak came to Ottawa to talk with the teachers as part of the design process. She submitted sketches for review which school boosters and teachers would return top her with suggested changes, Niese noted.
Sorosiak determined that the mural would include spiritual, intellectual and physical symbols. At the top of the mural is a dove representing the Holy Spirit that descended at the baptism of Jesus. There is also a key that represents Saint Peter and a sword that represents Saint Paul. A book image in the mural represents the intellectual listing on its pages and the major subjects taught at the school.
In the center of the mural is a large cross with a chalice with wine representing the priests of the Precious Blood. School colors of green and white and the original blue are prominently displayed on the mural.
Niese said school officials, parents and students were happy with the final product.
“They did a wonderful job of capturing who we are at Saints Peter and Paul,” Niese added. “We’re hoping we can get another mural of Jesus with children.”
Sorosiak works in the Alverno Studio on the campus of Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio.
The mural design process consisted of molding clay pieces then glazing and firing them. If a piece breaks the process must be started again. The estimated costs of a ceramic mural range from $100 to $135 per square foot. The cost of this 25-square-foot mural was paid by an anonymous donor.
Other pieces of Sorosiak’s work can be found on the Lourdes University campus as well as in Michigan, New York, Kentucky and Texas.
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