Cornerstone University to Unveil Award-Winning Sculptor's Stunning New Piece for Christ Chapel
Fresh off its grand opening in September, Cornerstone University’s Christ Chapel is set to receive a spectacular addition to the foyer of the new chapel building. “Let There Be Light,” an original stainless steel artwork by renowned sculptor Albert Paley, will adorn the lobby’s north wall.
The piece will be officially unveiled and dedicated at a ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m.
“Let There Be Light” is comprised of 37 brilliantly crafted pieces of stainless steel mounted on 83 studs anchored in the masonry wall. The artwork is 12′ high by 25′ wide by 10″ deep. The finished pieces will be powder coated stainless-steel, providing a durable stain resistant surface set against a gold painted wall. Each piece ranges in weight from 100 to 400 pounds.
Paley’s dramatic work depicts the transformational claims of Jesus. From the burst of the Star of Bethlehem depicting Christ’s claim to be the light of the world to the lily depicting his promise to be the resurrection and the life, “Let There Be Light” traces the life of Jesus from his birth to his victory over death as eternal King. Between the depictions of his birth and resurrection, Jesus’ claims to be the Living Water, the Good Shepherd and the Vine are beautifully portrayed leading one’s eyes to a radiant cross.
The title of the piece is inspired by John 8:12, which states “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
“This Christ-honoring sculpture provides a fitting welcome to all who enter the foyer of Christ Chapel,” said, Dr. Joe Stowell, president of Cornerstone. “With enchanting artistry, Albert has captured the ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus that remind us of the life-enriching blessings that Christ offers to those who follow him.”
Paley, an active artist for over 40 years at his studio in Rochester, New York, is the first metal sculptor to receive the coveted Institute Honors awarded by the American Institute of Architects, the AIA’s highest award to a non-architect. He is a Distinguished Professor who holds an Endowed Chair at the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Pieces by Paley can be found in the permanent collections of many major museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
“Let There Be Light” was commissioned by Cornerstone as one of 50 site-specific works by Paley. The piece is funded entirely by contributions from donors.
