By John Sheridan
On February 6, 2025, students from Shaler Area Middle School embarked on an exciting educational field trip to explore the famous Maxo Vanka murals in Millvale. The trip was organized by Mr. Lisowski, who wanted to give students a chance to learn about both local history and the art world.
The Maxo Vanka murals, located in the St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church, are an incredible collection of artwork created by Croatian-American artist Maxo Vanka. These murals cover the church’s interior and provide a vivid portrayal of Croatian heritage, as well as the social and political issues of the time. They are an important cultural landmark in the Pittsburgh area.
Maxo Vanka painted the murals in 1939, with a return in 1941 to complete his work. It took him about 5 to 6 months to finish the project. Vanka, known for his intense dedication to his craft, survived on little more than cigarettes and Coca-Cola bottles that were often scattered on the floor around him. Most nights, he worked late into the early hours of the morning, sometimes until 3 AM.
Roman Bentley, a former SAMS student and a current LIGHT coordinator, spoke to the students about Vanka’s passion for depicting issues such as capitalism, war, greed, and sin. He explained how Vanka used his artwork to critique the injustices and struggles of the world around him, making these murals not just artistic masterpieces, but also bold social commentaries. Bentley’s grandmother was a student at St. Nicholas when Vanka was painting the murals, a connection that has drawn Roman to the church many times over the years.
What makes these murals stand out is the unique blend of World War I themes and Croatian Catholic art. The images within the church are unlike anything you would typically expect to see in a religious setting. The murals tell a powerful story, one that can be seen, heard, and even felt. They represent progressive views in an institution that is normally known for conservative ones.
Those connected to LIGHT are working to preserve these extraordinary pieces of history, which are now 86 years old.
Below are some photos taken by John Sheridan during the field trip on February 6, 2025:
