Creazioni artistiche
Progetto Arte Poli was entrusted with the renovation of Corpus Christi Cathedral’s interior by Bishop Mulvey, who wished to to give the completed work to the community as a gift before his retiring. The project restored the altar and liturgical furnishings to the center of the church, giving the apse a clear, defined focus in keeping with the cathedral’s role as the heart of the diocese.
The previous dark green decoration was replaced with brighter, more luminous palette, letting light take on a greater role in the space. Modern design elements were combined with classical references, resulting in a cathedral that honors its tradition ehile speaking to the present.
Inauguration of the finished renovation
The making of the mosaic
For the apse, Progetto Arte Poli created a 24k gold leaf mosaic that covers the entire apse wall. Crafted using the ancient, traditional mosaic technique, the result is a breathtaking golden surface that seamlessly blends with and accentuates the existing decoration.
For the art glass above the three bronze portals and in the chapel, Progetto Arte Poli used the ancient technique of the grisaille, in which mouth-blown glass is hand painted to achieve unique, subtle shades of color. This traditional method, passed down through generations of glass artisans, allowed a level of detail and depht that brings each window to life while remaining in dialogue with the cathedral’s historic character.
Hand-sketch of the art glass
Artistich sketch of one of the entry doors
A new monumental entrance was created for the Cathedral, featuring three entry portals adorned with bronze bas-relief depicting different scenes from the Bible. The interior panel of th ecentral, main entrance is also detailed with two sculpted angels, positioned as if they are opening the doors. All portals were produced using the traditional lost-wax casting technique.
The new crucifix was created by Porgetto Arte Poli using the lost- wax casting technique, the same method employed for all the bronze artworks throughout the cathedral. Designed to be the focal point of the mosaic, the crucifix was conceived in close dialogue with it: the mosaic’s rays of light are positioned as if originating directly from the figure of Christ, uniting sculpture and mosaic into a single, coherent vision.
Detail of the clay model
Solid marble block before it was sculpted
Progetto Arte Poli continues to employ traditional techniques to create hand-carved life sized statues from solid marble blocks. This statue of the Good Sheperd was created for the Cathedral’s Prayer Chapel and was sculpted entirely from a single block of marble. Using ancient methods, our master craftsmen carved the stone, bringing texture and expression to the material.
The painting behind the staue of the Good Sheperd was handmade to resemble marble, forming the perfect background for the sculpture. Reminescent of a bas-relief, it depicts twelve saints including Padre Pio, Mother Theresa of Calcutta, Pope John Paul II, and St. Carlo Acutis.
Painting process
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