New SJU sculpture garden introduces its first piece

After several years of planning and anticipation, the first steps toward a sculpture garden in the space underneath the Learning Commons building are finally coming together. At its very inception, the sculpture garden was envisioned by the architect of the Learning Commons as it was being connected to Alcuin Library.

The tall building gives an excellent vantage point over the space, making it a perfect spot from which to view the display. The first art piece installed there is titled Kura – Prophetic Messenger, and it makes for an impressive sight over the low wall of the sidewalk.

The garden itself was funded externally, on the promise that it would be dedicated to the late author Jon Hassler, a St. John’s alum. It will be comprised of six concrete sculpture bases, and four will be home to a rotating selection of loaned works from partnered art museums.

Tim Ternis, director of the St. John’s Bible and curator of Alcuin Library’s many featured artworks, will curate the art selection. St. John’s is currently collaborating with the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in order to obtain display pieces. The centerpiece itself was commissioned in 2019 by former St. John’s President Michael Hemiseth, to be designed and constructed by master potter and Saint John’s resident artist Richard Bresnahan.

The sculpture garden’s centerpiece, Kura, is a massive artwork standing over 8 feet tall and resting on a massive concrete base. The name Kura comes from the Japanese word meaning sacred vessel. Underneath the large basin stands a semi-circular piece of granite, a tribute that was taken from removed walling when the Learning Commons was connected to Alcuin Library.

Holding up the main vessel are two black granite pillars, originally quarried in the late 1800s, which first served as the steps to the St. John’s Church. One can still see the imprint of uncountable footsteps on them. The two pillars support the main vessel – a massive grain bin which contains 178 clay containers.

The entire piece functions as a kind of time capsule for future use; each container is filled with heirloom seeds for vast varieties of corn, squash and beans, many of which are endangered. Each and every container has within it a handwritten dedication to the renowned folk singer/songwriter John Prine, who was a close friend of the artist.

Alongside the seed bank, the vessel contains a four-foot-long handwritten scroll of the Rule of St. Benedict. This was contributed by Mary Bruno, the owner and operator of the Bruno Printing Press in St. Joseph. In the event of a natural disaster or climate emergency, Kura can regenerate agriculture in the affected region and furnish the rules of life on which St. John’s Benedictine tradition is founded.

In addition to Kura, a polyhedron-shaped sculpture designed by Father Langus of the St. John’s Monastery will be permanently displayed. It is currently scheduled to be constructed.

Rob Culligan, the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, said the overall garden space will take time to come together and that its completion is likely several years out.

“St. John’s has a great history for displaying beautiful works of art, and [the sculpture garden] continues this tradition,” Culligan said.