A completed piece using gridding created by Dee Anna Muraski of Grace College.

By DARLA MCCAMMON

Lakeland Art Association

WARSAW — Hope you all enjoyed the humor in the art trivia last week; but, now let’s get to the merriest of seasons. There is an artistic technique that bodes well for the holiday Christmas season. In fact, you can go visit a clever and colorful display exhibiting the technique in Indiana Hall on Grace College’s campus. Designed and created by DeeAnna Muraski an associate director and adjunct professor in the Center for Career Connections. You are welcome to go see the four beautiful windows that look like stained glass.

I asked Ms. Muraski what gave her the idea and she said, “We had a competition going on to see which department could make the best door decoration. The contest came up while I was on vacation and was over by the time I returned. However, as I kept walking through our un-decorated door I decided to do something! So I created windows reflecting the light of Christ shining brightly for all to enjoy – even myself!”

I admired her windows and said, “These are really good. Are you an artist?” That’s when she smiled at me and said, “No. I modified a technique called gridding.”

“Gridding?”

“Yes. It is easy to explain but not as easy to do!” She smiled. After she explained it to me, I realized it was an old technique I was also familiar with; but, had never heard it referred to as gridding. She said the entire display ended up taking her seven hours to complete over a Saturday and Sunday. When I asked her about the supplies, and she said she paid for them herself, I realized this was a true labor of love.

The first panel depicts the three magi, intricately cut and silhouetted against a colorful montage representing stained glass. The second panel is a full length glass door also with translucent colors as a background against another large, exquisitely outlined Holy family trio. The third panel silhouettes two shepherds and a lamb. The final panel has a camel well equipped for providing a ride for one of the magi and finally hovering over all is a silhouetted guardian angel.

You can see the display during regular hours. The main hallway is unlocked from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you drop off your children at Jefferson Elementary you can stop by before you leave to see it.

To learn more about this modified technique, Ms. Muraski graciously allowed me to provide a step-by-step tutorial on my website. Enjoy as our present to you!

Upcoming and Current Events: 

• Jennifer Caudill exhibit at Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery through December. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• For a fabulous place to find unusual Christmas gifts, check out the Christmas Boutique at the LAA gallery on Winona Avenue. Open 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

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