St Luke's unveils new stained glass windows

Woy Woy's St Luke's Anglican Church has unveiled its new stained glass windows.

The 44 windows depict religious symbols and theological concepts and have been installed in blocks over the past two years.

The final pieces were unveiled on July 6 during an opening ceremony conducted by Woy Woy Parish rector Father Michael Davies.

The artist behind the windows Ms Alexandra Banks said the project had been a labour of love, years in the making.

A self-taught artist, Ms Banks is currently completing her PhD at St Francis Theological College and said it was hard to believe the project was finally complete.

"It's taken me a couple weeks to get my head around the idea that it's finished but it is and I couldn't be happier," she said.

An innovator in the glass art field, Ms Banks said each panel she created for the project paid homage to the intricate techniques of celebrated Australian stained glass artist Leonard French.

The windows had already attracted many compliments from the community and it's hoped the new feature will, in time, become a new icon for Woy Woy.

"There's nothing like this anywhere else on the Central Coast and it's been really encouraging to hear people talking the art and the stories they represent," Ms Banks said.

The windows are designed to draw in light and will dazzle and refract even on the cloudiest of days.

They've also been given the tick of approval from the theological and arts community, with the first event held at the church since the windows were completed, a national conference on art and theology hosted by Ms Banks.

"The conference was a great success and the windows were a big hit with all guests," she said.

Ms Banks wished to extend her thanks to all those involved in the project from its implementation to the final installation.

"Countless volunteers ensured this project was completed.

"It could not have been done without them," Ms Banks said.

SOURCE:

Social media, 6 Jul 2019

Michael Davies, Woy Woy Anglican Parish

Interview (Dilon Luke), 17 Jul 2019

Alexandra Banks, Artist