Three local artists are working tirelessly to create an enormous centerpiece for Wickenburg Community Hospital’s new surgical and diagnostic center – a 214 square-foot, 16 panel stained glass window depicting the local landscape.
Suzanne Cabala was commissioned to design the panels, and quickly incorporated the help of expert stained glass artist Sharon Pearson and Lloyd Carr.
“I knew I couldn’t do anything this sizeable by myself,” grinned Cabala, a Wickenburg Art Club member who works with stained glass and teaches the tedious art form.
The three met with WCH CEO Jim Tavary, Owner Representative Fred Fleck and others to decide on specific designs. After creating patterns that included desert scenes, horses and riders, flowers, Vulture Peak and abstract designs, the artists spent several months cutting glass. As much glass as possible was repurposed from the artists, and the rest was purchased from the Stained Glass Shop in Glendale.
Beginning the slow process of cutting in August 2015, they finished in January 2016. They are now in the piecing together and soldering process. The hospital generously provided a large table built by Mennonite minister and carpenter Lyle Kropf, owner of Kropf Craft.
The table was set up in Pearson’s art studio, and the three have been working six days each week, between five to six hours a day.
“We take a day off to keep our joints going,” laughed Cabala.
The plan is to have the panels ready for installation by July, and when the hospital is ready, a professional glass company will bring the stained glass panels from Pearson’s home to the hospital, after each panel has been signed by the artists.
The three are grateful to WCH for their help, and the assistance of Cheryl Harley-Volz, Karen Douglas and Jeanine Brown for helping in the design process.
“This is big,” says Sharlene Burt, Pearson’s sister, “I had to come and watch – I’ve been hearing about this for months.”
All three artists are confident the work will be pleasing to the community, a legacy to children and grandchildren for years to come.
*Featured pictures are the future location of the stained glass window.
Article appeared initially in the Wickenburg Sun | written by Patti Slattery, Reporter/Photographer