Maxo Vanka’s Masterpiece: The Murals at St. Nicholas Church

Maxo Vanka’s Masterpiece: The Murals at St. Nicholas Church
Country: USA/Pittsburgh
Director: Kenneth Love
The magnificent murals at St. Nicholas Church in Millvale, painted by Maxo Vanka in the late 30s, are legendary. In this moving documentary local filmmaker Kenneth Love conveys the significance of these images and the impact they have had on art historians, parishioners, and the public. The paintings depict scenes of Vanka's homeland in Croatia as well as the new world – industrial Pittsburgh. Some are religious, some portray social injustice and the horrors of war. With historic and contemporary footage, the film tells the story of the murals, the pastor who commissioned them, and the artist who painted them. Narrated by Bishop David Zubik. (2011; 55 min) Kenneth Love is scheduled to attend the screening.