BROOKINGS No, its not plastic surgery or a botox treatment, but this week the landmark mural at First Lutheran Church in Brookings, originally titled Christ: the King of All Creation is undergoing a restorative facelift. With the specialized expertise of a professional crew from Parkston, this grouting and preservation work will ensure that this striking feature of Main Street is preserved for generations to come.
The artwork, itself a visual sermon, features many traditional symbols of the Christian story. The figure of Christ outlined by an ichthus, allusions to Christ-the-true-vine, and Greek references to the Messiah are just some of the many symbols of faith that give this one-of-a-kind artwork its rich spiritual depth.
Installed during the churchs construction in 1958, the mural has a global origin story. Each individual piece is Italian smalti, small glass tiles from the island of Murano, in the Bay of Venice. These glass pieces are colorized, cast into discs, and broken into tesserae (tiles of various sizes) before being carefully designed and set into place.
In addition to its global origins, the mosaic has gained the local nickname Touchdown Jesus. Its a whimsical name, and yet one that boldly proclaims the Incarnation and Christ as the one truly officiating, declaring, Its good!
From small pieces of Italian glass to a bold Brookings landmark, this restored Christ mosaic will continue to grace not only the end of Main Street but also the hearts and lives of those who encounter it for many years to come.
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