Curtis's Stained-Glass Windows
The decoration shown here was created by ArtHouse inventor Curtis Jacobson.
He was inspired when he saw how much fun his wife Lisa was having preparing
"stained glass" decorations for the ArtHouse exhibit at the National Catholic
Educational Association 2004 conference.
(Click here to view Lisa's decorations or
click here to download a sample lesson plan.)
Curtis's selected a variety of ideas and sources for his windows. The round
"rose" window was traced from a photograph of a camellia. Below, in the small
window opening, Curtis drew a stem and three leaves. Each leaf is accompanied
by a different crown.
At left, the madonna and child window was inspired by
The Virgin of Paris
a famous statue in Notre Dame Cathedral. Noting that the original sculpture
featured 15th-Century fashions instead of authentic Biblical-era dress, Curtis
decided to further update the clothing and accessories to a more modern style.
At right, Curtis chose to depict the crucifixion with Christ raised high relative
to the cross. Up-stretched arms, together with clean, colorful robes suggest
Jesus is triumphing over pain, despair, and humiliation. Also, purple clothing is
traditionally associated with royalty. Curtis derived this image from an untitled
and uncredited painting in
The Illustrated History of World Religions. (Although Jesus wasn't clothed on
the cross, it's rare to see him depicted unclothed in art.)
You're invited to submit art to the ArtHouse Children's Art Gallery!
Kids' Art Gallery Submission Instructions
Return To The ArtHouse Children's Art Gallery