St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

In many of Marijana's paintings, St. John the Baptist Croatian Catholic Church appears perched high on a hill, rising above the homes and streets of the neighborhood. While the church truly does sit prominently on Strawberry Hill, Marijana often exaggerates this elevation in her more interpretive works. By placing the church clearly above the surrounding landscape, she emphasizes its importance as both a spiritual and cultural center for the community.

Rather than focusing on exact architectural and geographic details, these paintings use color, perspective, and simplified forms to highlight the feeling of the place. The hill becomes symbolic—suggesting guidance, protection, and the central role the church played in the lives of generations of Croatian immigrants and their families. From baptisms and weddings to funerals and festivals, the church stood as a constant presence overlooking daily life.

Through this artistic choice, Marijana transforms the church from a simple landmark into a powerful symbol. Set above the neighborhood, St. John the Baptist Croatian Catholic Church becomes a visual reminder of faith, heritage, and the enduring identity of the Strawberry Hill community.

Founded in 1900 by Croatian immigrants and Monsignor Davian M. Krmpotic, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church had stood at the center of the Strawberry Hill community for 125 years. Learn more about the parish's history in the books referenced below. 

• How do churches help preserve collective memory within a community?
• How does Marijana’s interpretation reflect not just an individual perspective, but a shared community experience?
• Why are churches often central to immigrant communities adjusting to a new place? 
• How does this artwork honor the role of the church in everyday life, beyond religious practice?
• Why do you think Marijana chose these specific scenes to be displayed in this format?