Artist Kiki Smith and architect Deborah Gans in front of Museum’s newly installed stained-glass window, © Photo: Courtesy of Museum at Eldridge Street/Kate Milford

By Mackie Healy, Art Market Views Contributor

Kiki Smith’s new starry stained glass window for the Museum at Eldridge Street was unveiled last week. The event marks the culmination of the $18.5 million, 24-year restoration of the Lower East Side Jewish synagogue.

Smith collaborated with architect Deborah Gans to create a contemporary blue-and-gold galaxy of stars inspired by motifs from the synagogue’s existing 125-year-old Victorian architecture. The 16-foot circular window is the focal point of the sanctuary, located above an ornate pulpit.

Central to the design is a five point star, appearing as if it is floating above the sanctuary. Each of the five points extend in a swirling motion, surrounded by over 12,000 panes of crystal blue glass spotted with tiny gold stars.

Late last week Gans and Smith explained their design process. They were selected for the job in November 2009. Smith, whose mystical appearance is bolstered untamed locks and blue star tattoos running along her hands and forearms, described the window’s astrological theme.

The landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue was founded in 1887 for Jewish immigrants living in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Today, the Museum at Eldridge Street serves as a Jewish cultural center and hosts community events such as “Egg Rolls & Egg Creams” (a nod to their Eastern European influence and Chinatown location).

Funding for the window commission comes from private foundations, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the New York State Council on the Arts. Over 20,000 contributors have helped with donations to the buildings overall rehab’s $18.5 million project, according to museum officials.

Museum at Eldridge Street’s newly installed stained-glass window by Kiki Smith and Deborah Gans, © Photo: Courtesy of Museum at Eldridge Street/Kate Milford

Museum at Eldridge Street’s newly installed stained-glass window by Kiki Smith and Deborah Gans, © Photo: Courtesy of Museum at Eldridge Street/Kate Milford

Window, view with scaffolding behind, © Photo: Mackie Healy