Graphic designer Shane Henderson long has admired the intricate architecture of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church in Arnold.
Even as a child growing up in New Kensington, before developing an eye for art, he recognized the church’s artistry.
“I always thought St. Vlad’s was such a cool-looking building and so beautiful,” he said.
The church was destroyed by a December blaze that left the sanctuary in rubble and caused more than $4 million in damage.
Henderson, 36, a Valley High School graduate now living in Lower Burrell, is using his craft to assist with reconstruction efforts. He designed an illustration of the 1947 church building, which is available in two sizes: 5½-by-8½ inches for $5, and 12½-by-19 inches for $30.
Henderson’s prints are available online at buildingsbyshane.com and in brick-and-mortar stores that include Modfinish, 1013 Fifth Ave., New Kensington; love, Pittsburgh, 805 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh; and The Westmoreland Museum of American Art Gift Shop, 221 North Main St., Greensburg.
Printed on 50% recycled Mohawk Loop Antique vellum, the artwork depicts the front steps of the church with its two spires climbing into the sky on both sides. A bold cross is contrasted against a dark sky.
“I just want to help drum up money for them to rebuild,” said Henderson, who trained at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and La Roche University.
“I grew up going to St. Pete’s,” he said, referring to Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church in New Kensington. “I never had an experience with St. Vlad’s until I heard about the fire, but I want to help.”
Henderson’s fundraiser will supplement an online campaign run by the church at donorbox.org/stvlads.
The Rev. Yaroslav Koval, church pastor, said his congregation is an example of rebirth.
Church leaders have met with architects to consider initial plans to rebuild the city’s only Catholic church. Oakland-based architect Walter Boykowycz is drafting designs to be unveiled in coming months.
Blueprints reflect a smaller church that would seat up to 100 people — about a quarter the size of the current church.
St. Vladimir Parish was founded in 1894, with the original church built in 1911 along Third Avenue. The current church, school building and social hall along Kenneth Avenue came in the 1940s.
Services continue at 11 a.m. each Sunday in the social hall, where relics rescued from the burning sanctuary are set out for display on bingo tables.
Parishioner Julie Martin said the artwork is more than a keepsake.
“This is a church that parishioners built with their own hands and raised the money for,” Martin said. “It’s a tribute to those people, our ancestors.”
Martin said the church holds memories for people who now live across the country.
“I hope this artwork can connect them to home,” she said.
Henderson said the response to his art fundraiser has been positive.
He previously worked on similar campaigns for the National Negro Opera House in Homewood and the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corp.
In March 2016, Henderson began creating designs of buildings in his hometown.
Influenced by art deco and flat design, Henderson said St. Vladimir has always impressed him.
“It stands out from all the other churches in the area,” he said. “After the fire, I wanted to have some small part in helping them restore.”
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