SAINT Mary’s Opportunity Shop has a new addition with a locally made stain glass window giving the porch area a facelift.
Made by Barry Mulligan of Saint Mary Wines, the window now features a cross surrounded by blue and red stained glass.
After idenfying a blank window in the porch area of the second-hand shop, Penola resident Dean Burrow organised for a creative piece to be installed.
Mr Burrow said the new window was an appropriate addition, given it is a faith-based, charitable organisation.
“We wanted a beautiful stained glass window and we thought to approach Barry, expecting to pay for it,” he said.
“After he came and had a look at it he refused payment and made a drafting of what he thought would look nice for the area.”
Mr Burrow said the artwork had already received a significant amount of positive feedback.
“Everyone who has looked at it has commented on how beautiful it looks,” he said.
“Even though it is a small window, it is balanced and colourful and has made a huge difference to the appearance of the porch area of the store.
“We believe Barry did a fantastic job and was very patient and gentle when putting the window in which we are all very grateful for.”
Mr Mulligan said a majority of the glass was sourced from his workshop.
“I knew I had the glass already,” Mr Mulligan said.
“I have had some of it here from the jobs I did decades ago and the hall is such a beautiful building with classic designs and structures.
“The window had to suit the building and the selection of reds and blues I had previously used related to previous churches.”
Mr Mullighan said the background glass needed to be opaque to enhance the cross stationed in the centre.
“There is also a star in the middle of the cross which I had from years ago,” he said.
“It found me about 20 years ago and when I saw the space for the window I knew that was where the star would go.”
Mr Mulligan said the combination of the blue and red glass would bring out a purple glow when light hits the window.
“The window is a gift to the community and the hall itself is a beautiful old building,” he said.
“It is wonderful to be able to do that for the volunteers of the store.”
A blessing of the window will be held on March 4, with a thank you dinner for Mr Mulligan to follow.
