Best of Show

"St. John the Beloved" & "Dakota Bench"
"St. John the Beloved": 80"l x 47"w x 82"h; 1,543 pounds
Bronze (lost wax process) with "Burned Dark Brown" patina
"Dakota Bench": 91"l x 22"w x 37"h; 3,300 pounds
Rushmore Dakota granite with five surface finishes (polished, flamed, white sawed smooth, sandblasted, and broken rock face) and two bronze plaques with "Burned Dark Brown" patina. ("The Revelation of St. John 3:21" on the left armrest and "The Dedication Plaque" on the right armrest.) 
Bronze plaques (lost wax process) recessed into armrests: 13"l x 1/2"w x 22"h; 20 pounds
Pedestal base: 103"l x 62"w x 13"h; 7,000 pounds
Rushmore Dakota granite
 

Location: St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Big Stone City, SD
Artist and Studio: Douglas Holtquist/Studio Holtquist
E-mail: holtquist@gmail.com
www.picasaweb.google.com/holtquist
Foundry: Fonderia d'Arte Massimo Del Chiaro
E-mail:fonderia@delchiaro.com
www.delchiaro.com
Fabricator: Rausch Brothers Monument Company
marym@rauschgranite.com
www.rauschgranite.com

The installation consists of a larger than life bronze sculpture of "Saint John, the Beloved" seated on "Dakota Bench" in a small rural cemetery in northeastern South Dakota. The bronze's "Burned Dark Brown" patina complements the warm mahogany color of "Dakota Bench." The installation is very prominent against the backdrop of mature evergreen pines that edge the cemetery. The sculpture and bench are situated on a stepped granite platform facing the tombstones, and beyond to the west to the Choctaw Hills, and to the setting sun. The two granite steps and the surrounding cement apron create an illusion of three steps upward, signifying the triune God and also ascension. "Saint John, the Beloved" is depicted as a young adult seated with an eagle at his side and holding a book on his lap with his left hand.  On the open pages are several verses from his Gospel (14:1-3).  His arm is outstretched along the backrest, inviting one to sit down and join him as "The Revelation of St. John 3:21" plaque suggests. ("To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.") The eagle gazing up at the saint references his role as an evangelist. 
 

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