Canning Liturgical Arts Wins Prestigious 2024 Honor Award for Transformative Work at San Joselito Adoration Chapel
Partners for Sacred Places honors our design and decorative paint work at the San Joselito Adoration Chapel with the Honor Award for Religious Architecture/Restoration in the 2024 Faith & Form Awards
Cheshire, CT – May 2025– John Canning & Co.’s Canning Liturgical Arts division has been awarded the esteemed Honor Award for Religious Architecture/Restoration in the 2024 Faith & Form Awards, presented by Partners for Sacred Places, for their breathtaking restoration and beautification of the San Joselito Adoration Chapel at St. Joseph’s Church in Norwalk, Connecticut. This accolade recognizes the profound impact of Canning’s artistry and dedication in creating a sacred space that resonates deeply with the community’s heritage and spiritual needs.
The San Joselito Adoration Chapel, originally a simple sanctuary, underwent a remarkable transformation under Canning’s expert guidance. What began as a technical design consultation evolved into a comprehensive design, fabrication, and installation project, driven by a shared vision to honor the chapel’s Gothic revival architecture while infusing it with the vibrant spirit of Latin American culture. The chapel's design required detailed plans in color, ornamentation, and sacred symbolism. The opulent decoration was inspired by St. Giles Church in Cheadle England, while including rich, vibrant colors of Latin America.
“This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative potential of sacred spaces,” said David Riccio, President. “We are deeply honored to have played a role in creating a sanctuary that not only reflects the rich heritage of the community but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration.”
Canning’s meticulous approach involved replacing the chapel’s stark white palette with a rich tapestry of deep greens, reds, and blues, achieved through masterful glazing techniques. Intricate gold leafing and ornamental painting, inspired by historic religious designs, highlighted the chapel’s architectural details. Decorative motifs and symbols, carefully interwoven throughout the space, pay homage to San Joselito, the community’s beloved patron saint.
The project, undertaken during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, became a source of unity and inspiration for the community. Volunteers dedicated countless hours, working late into the night, driven by a shared passion to create a sacred haven. The completed chapel, unveiled in August 2021, stands as a stunning testament to their collective effort, seamlessly blending Gothic and classical elements with the vibrant essence of Spanish architecture.
“The San Joselito Adoration Chapel is more than just a beautifully restored space; it’s a living testament to the power of faith and community,” remarked David Riccio, President. “Canning Liturgical Arts has created a sanctuary that will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.”
The Faith & Form Awards, established in 1978, celebrate excellence in the design of religious spaces, landscapes, and art. Canning Liturgical Arts joins a distinguished cohort of artisans, architects, and preservationists recognized for their commitment to preserving the spiritual and artistic integrity of sacred sites. The Faith & Form International Awards Program for Religious Architecture & Art program is co-sponsored by Partners for Sacred Places and Interfaith Design, a knowledge community of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The awards program was founded in 1978 with the goal of honoring the best in architecture, liturgical design and art for religious spaces. The awards presentation will be held during the AIA Annual Conference on June 6th in Boston.
For nearly 50 years, John Canning & Co. has been a national leader in historic restoration, conservation, and preservation. Canning Liturgical Arts, a specialized division, focuses on ecclesiastical art and design, offering expertise in decorative painting, mural conservation, ornamental plaster restoration, gilding, historic color matching, preservation, stone, and woodwork.
About John Canning & Co.:
John Canning & Co. is a national leader in the restoration, conservation, and preservation of historic structures. With a rich history spanning nearly five decades, the company is dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and architectural legacy for future generations. Canning Liturgical Arts, a division of John Canning & Co., specializes in the restoration and beautification of religious spaces, bringing artistry and expertise to sacred projects across the nation.
