Bright Spot: Aikhoyahka Artwork in Northfield

Photo: The work of art while it was still in progress.

Submitted by Kathy Chatelaine on behalf of Bethel Lutheran Church in Northfield.

(Northfield) – Bethel Lutheran Church, Northfield, announces the completion and dedication of a commissioned mahogany relief sculpture for the sanctuary space on Sunday, November 3, at the 8:30 service. This stunning piece is in recognition of Bethel’s land acknowledgment statement. It will be a visual enhancement to worship, inspiring us to reflect in new ways about God, our faith, and our relationship to one another.

The Lakota word for connected, Aikhoyahka, was foremost in the artist’s mind when creating this work and the title given to this piece. John Sterner, a Sicangu Lakota from Marshall, Minnesota, is a well-regarded artist who also sculpted Northfield’s large steel eagle along Highway 3 at W 3rd Street. He will speak about his work between worship services in the sanctuary from 9:45 to 10:30. An additional display of another type of his artwork, religious ledger art, will be shown in the narthex through mid-November.

We invite everyone to join the celebration during any part of the morning on Sunday, November 3.