The main exhibit at the Living Rock Studios is a series of pictures made from thin slices of rock and lit from behind. These seven Living Rock Pictures depict biblical stories as Howard B. Taylor envisioned them. When lit from behind, the pictures become glowing illustrations that bring each story to life.

Although the Living Rock Pictures resemble stained glass windows, their design, and construction are much more complex and unique. The color and texture shown in the pictures are achieved through the natural characteristics inherent in the rocks Taylor used.

“The first sight of the average-sized ‘picture’ took my breath away. They are magnificent,” said Dorothy Wilson of the Valley Weekly.

The rock pieces were chosen for their color pattern and transparency. Agates were the main stone used, along with marble, chalcedony, agatized wood, and obsidian. Each stone was cut with precision. Then, Taylor would fit the stones together on a glass backing.

When asked about his creations, Taylor said, “If you slice rock thin and put a light behind it, you get color and beauty.” Each picture measures, on average, 30 inches high and 24 inches across.