Restoration Honor Award
Canning Liturgical Arts
Norwalk, CT
Canning Liturgical Arts was originally asked to offer technical design advice for the sanctuary area of the San Joselito Chapel, but on further discussion we offered our full design, fabrication, and installation services for the entire space. Over the course of a few months, our team and community volunteers worked on new designs and transformed the chapel. The chapel is located on the campus of St. Joseph’s Church in Norwalk, Connecticut, and the space has seen more use by the local Hispanic community, necessitating more seating and beauty for the people it serves and the saint to whom it is dedicated.
The original all-white palette, intended to enlarge the space, was replaced with three major colors: a deep green, a rich dark red, and a vibrant blue. Variations of these colors appear throughout the interior in field colors and stencil patterns. Gold leafing and tones of yellow highlight the intricate details within the chapel as careful attention to detail ensured a harmonious space that balances English Gothic design with Spanish influence and incorporates motifs symbolic of the patron saint, San Joselito. The beautification of the simple chapel brought the surrounding community together.
Jury Comments
A stunning transformation, which is just beautiful. It invites you into worship—a place where spirituality happens. This is an example of how a lot can be done with a little.
Project Team Members
David Riccio / Designer and Lead Artisan
Grace Moran / Decorative Artisan
Isabella Riccio / Decorative Artisan
James Riccio / Decorative Artisan
Rev. Otoniel Lizcano Gibson Timal
Rev. Edicson Orozco Laura Carrera
Photo Credit / Robert Benson
