A new glass mosaic depicting St. Joachim over the front entrance of St. Joachim Church was unveiled just in time for Christmas. It was made in Italy and shipped to Madera to replace a mosaic that was shattered in a windstorm in April 2016.
The project is a collaboration of a multi-generational Italian artisan studio and Rohn & Associates Design of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which coordinated the artwork and put it up.
Rohn’s experience and guidance were instrumental in the complex installation to prevent future deterioration and damage so that it can be a lasting symbol of welcome, said Marika Rohn of Rohn & Associates.
The Rev. John Warburton, pastor of the Catholic parish in Madera, and Rolf Rohn went to Italy in October to check on the new mosaic’s progress at Mellini Art Glass & Mosaics of Pietrasanta, Italy, which fabricated the work.
Insurance for replacement value of the original mosaic covered most of the cost, except for $1,000 deductible, according to Enrique Medina, business administrator for St. Joachim.