Rachel Mulder-Staff Writer

A sculpture piece three years in the making was installed on campus in front of Southview Apartments this past summer.

The sculpture, designed by Dordt College art professor David Versluis, is entitled “Enlaced: a Burning Bush, Psalm 19,” and tries to convey a positive presence that speaks to the reality found in Psalm 19 that all creation celebrates the glory of God.  He hopes the piece reflects a public space where the Dordt community can congregate, talk and interact.

The piece, now part of Dordt’s permanent art collection, is approximately eighteen feet high by seven feet wide and is made up of seven upright pieces of varying heights and curves. The sculpture is made of COR-TEN steel which boasts an intentional rusty stain.

Though Versluis developed the concept and design for this piece, its creation also involved members of Dordt College’s Art Committee.

“The sculpture was almost all paid for by funds from donors who wished to support the arts. A small percentage of the money came from this year’s annual budget,” said Sally Jongsma, Art Committee Chair.

In an effort to enhance the warm and inviting campus atmosphere, the Art Committee purchases their art from three main groups of artists: local artists; Christian artists from around the world; and faculty, students and alumni.

“As an institution that gives testimony to the lordship of Christ over all of life, we value art as one way God’s people cultivate his creation. Displaying art is one way we encourage appreciation for its place in our lives and our culture,” said Jongsma.

Senior Anderson Clare appreciates the sculpture and thinks it is interesting.

“I think it’s pretty neat. I think that the use of structural steel to make it self-sealing is pretty interesting,” said Clare.

In his opinion, the sculpture gets too much criticism as “french fries.”

He said that the piece did take some getting used to as it blocks the front of Covenant Hall, but up close he likes it.

Sophomore Emily Tuuk agreed that the sculpture blocks Covenant.

“When I look out the window, it’s all I see,” Tuuk said.

As a student living in Covenant Hall, she wishes the sculpture was a little smaller.

A dedication for this sculpture will be held on Monday, Nov. 4, after the First Monday Speaker Series lecture.

Additional reporting by Amber Vis and Anna Visser