• The Virgin Mary in a commonly shown open armed pose.the statue of virgin mary image by Igor Shootov from Fotolia.com
  
  Regardless of one's personal beliefs, the history of church art is undeniably rich. From the intricate and beautiful stained glass rose window of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris to the rows of magnificent statues in Vatican City, church art ideas abound. North and South America also have an important place in the world of church art. Frontier churches where wood was the only practical building material have some exquisite examples of carved reliefs in the form of wall hangings and as ornately sculpted wooden furnishings.
  
  

Stained Glass

• Stained glass windows are often used to tell a story commemorating important people.stained glass window image by Tom Curtis from Fotolia.com
  
  Stained glass window art is a sort of transparent mosaic. A wire mesh supports small colored panels with the overall pattern creating an image. A skilled artisan can give stained glass greater detail by using the support wires to form words or by using dense paints that won't let light shine though. Some churches have images of saints and other important figures enshrined in stained glass portraits while other churches prefer simpler geometric designs. Artists make colors in stained glass by doping the glass in its molten state with various chemical impurities.
  
  

Statues

• Statues of past popes are a common feature of Catholic churches in Vatican City.statue religieuse image by thierry planche from Fotolia.com
  
  Statues have long been a part of church art. The Virgin Mary is one of the most wildly recognized figures, usually depicted wearing a hood. Saints are often the subject of church statues, as are the Apostles. The Roman Catholic Church often commissions statues to commemorate the popes who serve as their leaders in the faith. Some churches have statues related to prominent community and historical figures, particularly in the case of war memorials. Some of the most impressive examples of church statue art are made in bronze and stone. Concrete statues are very common and artists can make them look nearly as nice as stone.
  
  

Carvings and Reliefs

• Carved stone reliefs often adorn the arches of church entrances.church door image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
  
  Carvings and reliefs are most commonly found in church wood items. Biblical figures and events are a favorite subject for wall-mounted carvings. Ornate church pews with carved imagery of the cross and geometric patterns are popular. Painted relief panels (also called iconography) are a common design element within Vatican City. It is known for its high arched ceilings, some of which are covered with intricate painted relief art. Church carvings in wood are common in regions where stone and metal are difficult to obtain. This is particularly true for some frontier churches.