Loyola University Museum of Art hosts Stained Glass Exhibit

Written by Clayton Arner Saturday, 13 November 2010 21:58

CHICAGO, IL - The Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) revisits its spiritual foundation and Chicago roots with its newest exhibit, David Lee Csicsko: Sacred Visions in Art and Design. Well-known for designing leaded glass windows in area churches, Csicsko, a Chicagoan, melds traditional images of Christian saints and scripture with a contemporary urban look in this exhibit that runs from June 16 through August 26, 2007.

Sacred Visions in Art and Design incorporates Csicsko’s wide range of sacred and secular graphic work, including 90 works of leaded glass, prints, drawings, mosaics, and textiles. Three of Csicsko’s commissioned leaded glass windows are included in the exhibition, along with a newly executed window completed for this showcase, and examples of the Csicsko’s newest work in ceramic mosaics.

“Csicsko draws inspiration from a variety of influences, including Catholic holy cards, African art, folk art, Swedish art, and popular culture,” said Pam Ambrose, director of cultural affairs, LUMA. “He blends everyday symbols like flowers, hearts, the sun, and the moon with a colorful palette, communicating playfulness and a sense of wonder.”

To date, Csicsko has completed commissions in Chicago for St. Norbert’s College, Saint Benedict the African Parish, and St. Ailbe’s Parish. For the predominately African-American parishes, Csicsko has included a colorful artistic heritage and social history of the congregation in his windows, depicting Rosa Parks, Saint Thea Bowman, exotic palm trees, and Haitian references and costumes.

David Lee Csicsko grew up on the South Shore of Indiana in a predominantly Catholic neighborhood. After 25 years of working as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, Csicsko left commercial work to concentrate on creating art.

Chicago residents may remember a sampling of Csicsko’s graphic design work, including the 12 mural paintings, Belmont 2000, on the CTA’s Red Line; the graphics for the Museum of Science and Industry’s exhibition, History of the Video Games; and Behind the Lions, a children’s book for the Art Institute of Chicago. Examples of Csiscko’s earlier career, which provide a glimpse into the visual history of his progress from graphic designer to the fine arts, can also be found in LUMA’s Works on Paper Gallery.

About LUMA

The Loyola University Museum of Art, opened in October 2005, is dedicated to the exploration, promotion, and understanding of art and artistic expression that attempts to illuminate the enduring spiritual questions and concerns of all cultures and societies. As a museum with an interest in education and educational programming, LUMA reflects the University’s Jesuit mission and is dedicated to helping men and women of all creeds explore the roots of their own faith and spiritual quest. Located at Loyola University Chicago’s Water Tower Campus, the museum occupies the main floor (street level), second, and third floors of the University’s historic Lewis Towers on Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.LUC.edu/luma