CLA's largest work, "Lightfall," dedicated

The dedication of a massive mosaic, entitled “Lightfall,” took place in the Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Welcome Center at Valparaiso University Saturday, Sept. 28.  The Center for Liturgical Art at Concordia University, Nebraska created and installed the mosaic, which stands 31-feet long by 16.5-feet tall. The title of the mosaic was inspired by Psalm 36:9 and Valparaiso’s motto: “In luce tua, videmus lucer,” “In your light, we see light.”

The mosaic was designed by Mark Anschutz, artist-in-residence at the Center for Liturgical Art, and is the largest piece of art the CLA has ever created. Anschutz began working on “Lightfall” in late 2012 along with senior Evan Balleweg, an ecclesiastical and liturgical art major and marketing intern at the CLA.

The design of the piece ties closely with the mission and environment of Valparaiso, says Anschutz.

“Each mosaic tile represents the character of Valparaiso: excellence, learning through service, community, thoughtful leadership and personal journeys,” he said. “The elements in concert with the overall composition will inspire people to see themselves as empowered participants in the sharing of God’s love in the lives of others.”

Balleweg, who has been working with Anschutz and the CLA since 2009, designed the presentation material and mock-ups of the mosaic for the CLA to present to Valparaiso. He then turned the rough sketches and paintings into computerized drawings so that each piece could be enlarged and cut out of Komatex, a type of colored PVC vinyl. Balleweg has also helped texture the shapes, paint and apply finishes to the final piece.

“It is inspiring to think that this artwork may very well be on this earth much longer than I am,” Balleweg said. “It is always a humbling experience to be able to work on these types of projects.”