Mosaics, Murals, & Paintings, Lighting, Altar Ware
King Richard’s Fabricates a Beautiful Mosaic, Exposition Tabernacle and Altar ware in St. Thomas Chaldean Church’s Grotto in West Bloomfield, MI
The St. Thomas Chaldean Grotto is a newly established prayer space within the church. King Richard’s was commissioned to CREATE a mosaic wall mural depicting two adoring, levitating angels, as well as PROVIDE an exquistie exposition tabernacle with an altar cross and a sanctuary light positioned above the tabernacle.
Mosaic Mural with Adoring Angels
The mosaic wall mural in the Chaldean Grotto was developed from a carefully scaled color illustration, depicting two levitating angels in adoration, each holding a thurible with gently ascending streams of incense. The background evokes a luminous sky layered with soft, smoky clouds, reinforcing a sense of transcendence and sacred atmosphere.
The angels’ garments and headdresses draw inspiration from Chaldean cultural traditions, grounding the imagery in a distinct heritage while maintaining a timeless, reverent quality. The mural’s dominant color palette was intentionally chosen to echo the tones of the surrounding river rock walls within the Grotto, creating visual harmony between the artwork and its architectural setting. Secondary colors were kept muted and restrained, ensuring the composition remains contemplative rather than overwhelming.
Throughout the mural, gold and silver metallic glass tesserae are subtly interspersed, catching and reflecting light to add depth and a quiet radiance. Framing the composition, a glass mosaic border provides a refined visual transition while drawing attention toward the Blessed Sacrament, reinforcing the mural’s devotional purpose.
Design
The artist brings a thoughtful, refined vision to the Grotto mural, blending cultural authenticity with a deep sensitivity to place. Inspired by the surrounding river rock tones, they designed a hand-drawn scene of two levitating angels with thuribles, their garments reflecting Chaldean tradition.
With a muted, harmonious palette and touches of gold and silver tesserae, the artist creates a serene, luminous composition that feels both timeless and deeply connected to its environment.
Wall Mural Mosaic Installation
The mosaic pieces, along with a detailed, numbered guide serving as a placement map. Each piece was then meticulously set onto the wall, precisely aligned according to its designated position within the design.
BEFORE INSTALLATION
AFTER INSTALLATION
River Rock Housing for the Exposition Tabernacle
Detailed plans included front and side elevations, along with suggested structural elements. As the structure was built from locally sourced river rock, all stone selection, shaping, and placement closely followed the design drawings.
The tabernacle was fabricated in metal and features a decorative monstrance-inspired door crafted from wrought iron with a textured bronze finish. At its center, a removable Luna is set within the circular design, surrounded by red jewel accents.
Altar Cross, Mosaic Lighting and Hanging Sanctuary Light
The interior back wall was enhanced with a glass mosaic border to highlight the Blessed Sacrament, complemented by a small, discreet LED light integrated into the design. An altar cross was also created to sit atop the exposition, and a custom sanctuary light was installed above, gently illuminating the space.
