On the edge of a wildlife area, memorial garden fresco panels are taking shape

A free-standing trio of arches has taken shape, just outside of St. John’s Church in Stacy. The structure is a special component of a contemplation/memorial garden, overlooking the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area. The arches really began to come together the past week or so with the help of numerous volunteers. First there were hours and hours of prep work accomplished since “groundbreaking” was celebrated on the site at the end of May. The base of the arches had to be dug, supported and then given time to dry with recent rains.

There was a wedding last weekend that halted the noisier chores for a time. The brick for the arches is from demolition of a veneer on a mansion in St. Paul, which was being done by one of the contractors involved in the St. John’s project. The residence owner is a history buff and was happy to donate the brick for re-use, according to mason Joe Fisk. Pallets of bricks were delivered to Stacy and hand-cleaned by volunteers. Fisk said the donation was very significant cost-wise, and he is pleased with how the bricks are looking after the construction residue and paint is painstakingly removed. The bricks are probably from the 1800s, he added, and being very dry, they almost visibly absorb mortar as soon as they are laid, but they’ll last a good long time. Cemstone is providing cement and PEI Construction is providing the skilled workers.

The brick facing will support plaster for a smooth finish as a canvas for a set of fresco paintings. Artist, Mark Balma, has works in the St. Paul Cathedral and the University of St. Thomas. The Stacy fresco work will be unique to North America. Fresco is created by applying pigment to wet lime plaster. When hardened the artwork is literally embedded into the material. Fresco has stood for centuries, and Fisk commented that he is excited to be participating in a project that will be standing for generations. According to a news release, the fresco will features six total images, one for each side of each arch. This first set of three were selected by Rev. Dr. Alfred Valerius, who has been with St. John’s for over 25 years. The Transfiguration of Christ depicts the union of Old and New Testaments, the Transfiguration on the moutaintop is when Christ reveals his Divinity.

The panels for the fresco painting are 15 feet tall on the sides and the center arch is 17 feet tall. The bases will be surrounded by planters, Fisk explained. The goal is for a “reveal” during this year’s Stacy Days. The church is accepting donations for the project. If you have an interest in placing a memorial at the garden in the form of a bench or paving stone; or you would just like to support this undertaking, contact church secretary Mary Welty at the office, the phone is 651- 462-5115. There are limited opportunities available this July for artists wanting to learn fresco painting. Balma plans to create three panels this year and finish in 2013. Interns can submit a resume including background information and details about any formal training, and samples of artwork, to St. John’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 308, Stacy, MN 55079.