LAPORTE – A large external brick wall of the Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph school building is now covered with graffiti, leaving onlookers in awe.
“It’s really, really beautiful. It jumps out at you. Since it’s on a wall, people can see it from blocks away. Maybe some planes flying over will be able to see it,” said Father Nate Edquist, pastor of the parish.
The graffiti is actually a commissioned mural by graffiti artist Felix Maldonado of East Chicago.
The work, titled, Familia Mundi, Latin for “Family of the World” was created to portray the Holy Family Parish and the LaPorte community. “The main focus is the Holy Family, which is our new identity as a parish,” said Father Edquist.
Jesus, Joseph and Mary stand out against a LaPorte lake scene. Four maple leaves symbolize the community’s nickname, Maple City. Each maple leaf was painted to depict the national flags of the immigrant communities from which the three churches started St. Joseph Church (German), St. Peter Church (Irish), Sacred Heart Church (Polish) and the more current immigrant community (Mexico). Three children of different ethnicities represent the community’s diversity and culture.
Father Edquist said Maldonado utilized any physical obstacle into his work. A brick cross, which is part of the wall structure, was incorporated into the cross on top of St Joseph’s staff.
Three public work sessions were held to gather ideas for the mural. Maldonado synthesized several ideas into a conceptual drawing. The public had an opportunity to help fine tune the drawing before the artist began his creation.
“We want people to know that there’s life here, not some closed off place. That there’s a lot going on here,” said Father Edquist. “It’s vivacious. This is a place where activities happen and people belong here.”
Maldonado was unanimously selected from a list of artists because of his ability to create life-like art. “He can really show faces and people in detail,” said Father Edquist.
Maldonado, who is 52-year-old, said he’s a traditional artist by nature but became interested in graffiti art when he was 17 years old, as the graffiti movement became popular.
“I know my approach is somewhat unique if not unorthodox to some people. They can’t believe something can be done with spray paint,” said Maldonado.
He admitted graffiti art kept him out of trouble as a youth while at the same time refining his talents as an artist.
Maldonado sees himself as a vessel to convey the message customers are looking for. “I’m honored and blessed to be given this talent from God and to utilize it to bring something to life.”
Maldonado estimated 75-100 cans of spray paint, making up 35-50 shades of colors, were used to create the 40-feet wide by 30-feet high mural. Rain and heat hindered the artist from completing the project for the Sept. 10 unveiling and blessing ceremony.
“Every project has its challenges. I just have to know how to overcome them and get the job done,” he said.
“Overall, I’m very happy and very proud of it. I hope the people in LaPorte are too,” added Maldonado. “The praise, the thank-you’s, the cars passing by honking supersedes any challenges that I get on any project.”
Father Edquist explained he was contacted by Janet Bloch, executive director for the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, in Michigan City. She shared that the center was applying, through a grant, to create something in LaPorte focusing on the underserved. The parish’s Hispanic community became the focus for the beautiful culture they bring to the parish and community.
Bloch credited the collaboration between the Lubeznik Center, the Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte, Father Edquist, Maldonado, and the community for making the mural a reality.
“We’re so pleased to facilitate this artwork. Our role is to convince communities how fantastic the quality of life is when you have the arts all around you. How the arts make the city a fantastic place to work, live and play,” said Bloch. “I do have a passion for it.”
Financing for the mural was received from a grant submitted by the Lubeznik Center to the Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte. The foundation’s mission is to “empower the people of LaPorte County to be healthy and well,” according to Linda Satkoski, foundation board member.
Satkoski said since the foundation’s first round of grants in 2017, over $39 million has been invested into the community.
“Murals, if put together through a community effort, really empower people to be supportive of their communities,” said Satkoski.
“It left me speechless. There are no words to describe it,” remarked Christian Osornio as he stared at the mural.
Osornio, a Holy Family parishioner, said was one of the number of people who attended the meetings. “Felix did an excellent job in getting people involved as a community and as a family. He took all the suggestions, big and small, into consideration. It’s a blessing to be part of it.”
As Neil and Dorie Lauver, members of Holy Family Parish, gazed upon the nearly completed mural, they were moved to the point where they struggled to find words to express their reaction. “I can’t find the right words, but to me it means assimilation,” said Neil. “I feel it’s going to build strength.”
He feels the bright colors will send a message that “this is a vibrant parish.”
“It’s beautiful. I’m happy it was chosen to be here,” was Dorie’s reaction. “It really depicts we’re all one family.”
Caption: Father Nate Edquist, pastor of Holy Family Parish blesses a mural painted by Felix Maldonado, of East Chicago. during an unveiling/blessing on Sept. 10. The mural wasn't completed for the unveiling due to rain and heat. It was completed the following week. (Bob Wellinski photo)