Lunch Pail Lecture: Maxo Vanka Millvale Murals
May 7, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
$15 Adult
$15 Senior (65+)
$5 Youth (3-17)
$5 College Student (w/ ID)
Members of The Frick Societies receive complimentary admission
Get acquainted with the awe-inspirating murals of Croatian artist Maxo Vanka, located in Millvale, through a presentation by the murals’ Director of Education & Interpretation, Becky Gaugler. Participants will discover how this local treasure, covering the walls and ceiling of the sanctuary of the St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale, were painted over two intense periods in 1937 and 1941 and reflect the lived experiences of the church’s working-class, immigrant congregation. These unique murals are at the intersection of history, art, and social justice — with timeless themes of love, struggle, faith, and hope. Learn how Vanka’s murals continue to have the power to move and inspire us.
Advance registration encouraged; walk-up tickets can be purchased in the Grable Visitor Center while space is available. Registration does not include exhibition admission.
About Lunch Pail Lectures
Lunch Pail Lectures are The Frick Pittsburgh’s new monthly lecture series covering topics including current exhibitions, the Frick family, Pittsburgh and more! All attendees are encouraged to enjoy lunch during this program; brown bag lunches are welcome, or order online from The Café at the Frick. Online orders should be placed by 11:00 AM the day of the lecture to ensure pickup by 11:45 AM.
About the Presenter
Becky Gaugler is the Director of Education & Interpretation at the Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka. She holds both a BA and MA in art history and has been working in museum education for almost 20 years. Becky previously worked as the Manager of School & Teacher Programs at Carnegie Museum of Art and most recently as a freelance consultant with a variety of area museums and nonprofits, including the Heinz History Center, the Arts Education Collaborative, and the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.
