Videos from the Makk Family of Artists

Eva and Americo Makk were Father Breslin’s first choice as artists for murals at Queen of Peace. He knew of the Makks’ reputation as renowned artists who had exhibited in museums and galleries in dozens of countries, and he also knew about their murals in cathedrals and churches on two continents. After visiting the Makks in their home and studio in Honolulu, he asked them to undertake the commission. Father Breslin was doubly pleased, because not only did Eva Makk accept the project, but after meeting her, he said, “I sensed that Eva shares my philosophy regarding the spiritual power of art.”

Work on large-scale murals can be very physically demanding, since the artist must paint on a ladder for many hours at a time. But Eva Makk is a vigorous woman with amazing energy and dedication. Each day for many months, Eva Makk poured every bit of herself and her wellhoned artistic skills into the creation of the murals.

Eva Makk feels that artworks with religious themes are a particular challenge, because she says, “my ultimate goal is to create something totally new [with] these religious subjects which have been depicted by artists for centuries. It is like trying to walk a new path on a tightrope where many artists have walked before.” She explains, “My scope is to reach a sensitive chord in the viewers which has never been reached before… in a sense changing their lives by touching this newly felt dimension in their psyche.” Eva Makk describes this aspect of her work as “sobering and humbling.”

Word about Eva Makk’s murals is spreading, attracting tourists to Queen of Peace to see the art. “The Nativity” and “The Resurrection” murals are now seen by more than 5,000 people each week. These murals, like other artworks by Eva Makk and Americo Makk which will be seen and enjoyed for generations, are indeed a legacy for the future.