Sculpture, Exhibit Commemorate David Hetland

Liturgical artist and longtime Concordia Christmas Concert mural designer David J. Hetland will be commemorated by the college with a bronze sculpture on campus and a traveling art exhibit of his work. Hetland passed away in April 2006 at 58 years old.

Concordia has commissioned accomplished bronze sculptor J. Paul Nesse '73 of Stillwater, Minn., to create a bronze bust of Hetland for display in the new Campus Center. Nesse is the creator of a number of bronze sculptures on campus, including those of President Joseph L. Knutson in Knutson Center, Choir Director Paul J. Christiansen in the Hvidsten Hall of Music, Martin Luther in the Carl B. Ylvisaker Library foyer and King Olav V in Lorentzen Hall.

A traveling art exhibition featuring a variety of Hetland's work is currently in development and will be available to churches, schools and community organizations upon completion. Hetland, who graduated from Concordia in 1969, was well known throughout the country as a liturgical artist. He began working with the expansive hand-painted murals for the Christmas Concerts while he was a student and took over the role as designer 27 years ago.






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