Artist Would Restore Old Nativity Figures For Mission Windows

PIONEER SQUARE

A historic nativity scene, once displayed in the foyer of Cabrini Hospital, will be restored and highlighted in the windows of the Bread of Life Mission in Pioneer Square, if Seattle artist Claudia Ebling has her way.

The Rev. Lee Chase, executive director of the mission at 97 S. Main St., said mission officials have given the artist the go-ahead if she can raise the estimated $8,000 for the project.

"The mission itself has no money to do it," Chase said.

The large nativity scene, which dates to the early 1900s, was obtained by the mission 15 to 20 years ago and is visible in one of four large windows facing First Avenue.

Ebling wants to retain a contractor to build a protective wall behind the display, install track lighting to highlight the figures, add a back-lit glass-block cross in one window, commission the carving of two additional grazing animals for the scene and print four to six seasonal banners bearing inspirational words to be selected by the mission staff.

Zakhar Borodyansky, Bellevue carver, will make the additional animals, she said.

"The scene is very large - 5 feet tall and 3 feet deep," Ebling said.

The artist said she would like information about the history of the nativity scene and any photographs that might help establish the original colors. She is hoping the project could be done by Christmas.

People wishing to contribute should make checks payable to "Mission Windows Project," Apartment 401, 97 S. Jackson St., Seattle 98104. Anyone with information about the history of the scene may telephone Ebling at 622-3682.