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Students Create Illuminated Fused Glass Stations of the Cross
5/12/2009
 The University of St. Thomas, known for the beauty of its sacred spaces, has a new addition to the Chapel of St. Macrina in the Guinan Residence Hall. An installation ceremony to celebrate the creation of a student art project, an illuminated fused glass Stations of the Cross, was held Friday, May 8.
The red and ivory panels each feature black mosaic images and a written question – all fused together to represent each Station of the Cross. Illuminated from behind, the Stations give a warm glow in the intimate chapel. The conceptual portion of the project took place during the Campus Ministry Alternative Spring Break Program in New Orleans, where students designed the images and crafted the questions such as “Why is life not easy?”; “Will you risk facing this ‘reality’?” and “Is this human enough?” The remainder of the project production took place in the following months at UST, and the pieces were fuses and fired at a local Houston studio. While in New Orleans, workshop space was generously provided by UST alumna Marcia Galatas.
Jessie Martinez, a UST senior and Campus Ministry student worker, participated in the creation of the project.
“The purpose of this art project was to bring new life to the Chapel of St. Macrina, and to offer students another opportunity to deepen and grow more in their spiritual life.”
The project was under the direction of Sr. Maura Behrenfeld,  FSE, Campus Ministry director, who brings years of experience as an artist. Sr. Maura has a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, a Master’s in art and science curriculum instruction. She has participated in numerous public art exhibits with schools and has been a professional artist with expertise in sculpture, illustration and graphic design for many years.
“The fused glass project began with the student’s idea to incorporate the Stations of the Cross to enhance the space of the Chapel,” Sr. Maura said. “The project shows the power of art to communicate the mysteries of the Church and provides an avenue of expression for the students’ lives in relation to their faith.”
Darnell Miller, a Guinan residence assistant, said the Stations of the Cross will encourage more students to take advantage of the convenient Chapel within the residence hall.
“Seeing student artwork in a student chapel, creates a greater sense of ownership and belonging,” Miller said.
Daniela Prado is graduating on May 16, and sees the art project as a legacy to leave for future classes of students.
“As a lifelong Catholic, I have always been familiar with the Stations of the Cross,” Prado said. “But working on this project has helped me understand the real mysteries of the Stations. This experience has also encouraged me to think about each of the questions we fused onto each Station, and apply those questions to my own life.”
Fused glass art project participants are shown above from left to right: Daniela Prado, Jesse Martinez, Marcia Galatas, Sr. Maura Behrenfeld.
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