Windows of wonder

Cathedral's storied past shines through in stained glass

Jessica Ebelhar/ViewArthur Nelson helped install stained-glass windows at Guardian Angel Cathedral, 302 Cathedral Way. In the 1960s, the bishop at the time commissioned renowned artists Isabel and Edith Piczek to create the pieces. Jessica Ebelhar/ViewAspects of Las Vegas, including area casinos and other local landmarks and icons, are incorporated into "The Mask of Reality" window at Guardian Angel Cathedral. The artist?s representation of the occupations of man overseen by Jesus also are included. Photos special to ViewLeft, a stained-glass window at Guardian Angel Cathedral depicts stations 9 and 10 of the Stations of the Cross. Right, a south sanctuary window is titled "The Mask of Reality." Photos special to ViewLeft, a stained-glass window at Guardian Angel Cathedral depicts stations 9 and 10 of the Stations of the Cross. Right, a south sanctuary window is titled "The Mask of Reality." Advertisement

The stained-glass windows and murals that grace the walls of Guardian Angel Cathedral have stories to tell.

The church's unofficial historian, Arthur Nelson, is their voice.

Nelson was present for the installation of the first stained-glass window in 1968. The cathedral organist at that time even forged a friendship with the artists, two Hungarian sisters who remain close to Nelson to this day.

"Back then, I could climb the scaffolding and talk with them and hold paintbrushes," the 79-year-old Las Vegan said.

There are more than 15 large-scale pieces adorning Guardian Angel Cathedral at 302 Cathedral Way, near Las Vegas Boulevard North.

In the 1960s, the bishop at the time commissioned internationally recognized artists Isabel and Edith Piczek to create the pieces for the fledgling church.

The sisters studied under the guidance of their father in their native Hungary before fleeing Communist rule to Austria in their 20s. They supported their journey to freedom by selling paintings at several monasteries. The young women crossed borders on foot, once wandering in the snow of the Alps en route to Italy, Nelson said.

Once in Rome, the sisters completed 42 mural paintings, including a fresco for an institute owned by the Vatican, in three years.

Isabel Piczek declined a scholarship to the Academy of Fine Arts in Paris, opting to move to the U.S.

Since establishing their Los Angeles studio, the sisters have completed large-scale murals, mosaics, stained-glass windows and tile works for more than 49 buildings in seven countries on three continents.

"This is their crown and glory of a church," Nelson said of Guardian Angel Cathedral. "The insurance (amount) makes me cringe."

The stained-glass windows feature the Stations of the Cross and Old Testament imagery. They also bear the name of their donors, a list of that includes comedian and entertainer Danny Thomas.

Above the altar is "The Final Beginning" mural. Done in vibrant oranges, pinks, blues and greens, the Rev. Lawrence Lentz pointed out the central resurrecting Jesus surrounded by five couples representing the human senses.

"Once you see that and understand, it hits you," said Lentz.

The artist's form is described as mystical realism, and most pieces are in a triangular shape, which represents the Holy Trinity, Lentz said.

Nelson said the Piczeks did extensive research to make certain elements historically accurate. A set of dice in one window features the No. 3 side in a line as opposed to the current diagonal arrangement.

The Las Vegas skyline adorns the bottom of the south sanctuary window, which is titled "The Mask of Reality."

A handful of now-departed hotel- casino properties, including the Desert Inn, the Sands, the Stardust and the Landmark Tower, are displayed under the artist's representation of the occupations of man overseen by Jesus, Nelson said.

Nelson can't peg a favorite window, but he continues to study their intricacies.

"As long as I've been here, I can look at different windows and I see different things in the colors," he said.

Nelson worked for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, owned by Stephens Media Group, which also owns View Neighborhood Newspapers.

He retired as organist in 2000 but works as full-time registrar for the church, which caters mostly to tourists. He's also "Chip Monk," designated to cash in casino chips left in the collection plate.

He plans to retire from his post next year.

"After next year, I'm forgetting all this," he joked of his extensive knowledge of church history.

Visitors are welcome to admire the church's windows from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A kit with 8-inch-by-10-inch photographs of the windows and a booklet detailing their history and spiritual influence is available for sale in the cathedral gift shop. The shop is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Lentz said he has used the reflections included in the booklet during Lenten times.

"I'll pick a window and station a day and reflect on how it all fits into the world," he said.

The windows are protected from the elements by a separate pane of glass and a plastic covering. If a break occurs, Nelson calls the Piczek sisters, who still work out of their Los Angeles studio.

Nelson often drives the pieces to them for repair and spends quality time with the sisters, who he said stay spry in their 70s.

The women could not be reached for comment.

Other Piczek pieces can be found in St. Anne Catholic Church, 1901 S. Maryland Parkway, and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 315 S. Casino Center Blvd.

"The windows are something special," Nelson said.

For more information, visit las vegas-diocese.org or call the church at 735-5241.

Contact Centennial and Southeast View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.