Artist brings Bible stories to life in local church nursery

 Heidelberg Church, 166 Colorado St., in the tiny village of Marion, just south of Chambersburg, has a big reason to be thankful in the New Year. They recently completed a large scale renovation of the church nursery, mostly through the hard work of their own members. But the crowning jewels in the bright, colorful new space are the large murals that wrap around the entire room, overlapping corners and even extending onto the ceiling.

Thanks to local artist and interior designer, Mary DuBois, of DuBois Interiors, the new nursery brings classic bible stories alive with David and Goliath in mid-battle, animals debarking from Noah’s ark, and shepherds and the wise men approaching the nativity scene. Even the tables and chairs were renewed, with the antique wooden children’s chairs painted alternately granny-apple green and periwinkle blue. The table tops are covered in maps of the holy land.

The church held a dedication service for the new nursery during its regular Sunday service Jan. 24 with a reception following.

Pastor Adam Leeper said, “Mary did a remarkable job. The murals are wonderful. It means a lot to the congregation to have such a cheerful room for the children. We welcome any visitors who would like to come see the nursery and worship with us.”

DuBois is an award-winning interior designer, freelance artist, muralist, illustrator, kitchen designer, faux painter, and photographer. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in interior design and over 20 years of experience in commercial and residential interiors. Among the awards DuBois has garnered is a second place International Design Award, the Media Award for best designed marketing catalog in 2003, and a first place for 3-D black and white photography.

Area residents may recognize the trademarks of DuBois’ work; she created the mural under the railroad bridge on Baltimore Street in Greencastle, and has designed residential homes in the greater Chambersburg area, branching out to Maryland and Northern Virginia as well. She recently moved to the Milton and Rehoboth, Delaware area and serves clients there as well, but continues to commute.

“When each project is completed, our goal is that it does not look or feel ‘designed,’ but rather be a reflection of our client,” DuBois commented.

DuBois Interiors was formerly known as Praxis Interiors.