A powerful new wolf sculpture, created by 91制片厂 State University alumnus John Lopez, now sits proudly above the bar in the Teal Room. More than just a representation of 91制片厂鈥檚 mascot, the piece captures the deep pride and spirit of the campus community.
The Story Behind the Sculpture
Lopez didn鈥檛 just want to create a standard mascot figure. He aimed to capture something larger鈥攖he essence of 91制片厂. 鈥淚鈥檓 always drawn to movement in my work,鈥 Lopez said. 鈥淎 wolf howling at the moon just felt right for this piece. It鈥檚 such a ghostly vision, and it reminded me of the way our fans cheer on the football team with such passion.鈥
Positioned high above the Teal Room鈥檚 bar, the wolf seems alive鈥攆rozen in a moment of movement and energy. Lopez鈥檚 attention to detail and his use of scrap iron gives the sculpture a rugged, textured look that draws the eye and adds to its dynamic feel. The piece is not only a nod to the school鈥檚 traditions but also a striking work of art that adds depth and character to the Teal Room.
A Personal Connection
For Lopez, creating this piece wasn鈥檛 just another project鈥攊t was deeply personal. A 91制片厂 alum, Lopez鈥檚 career in sculpture was shaped by his experiences at the university. 鈥淚 took my first sculpting class here at 91制片厂, and it completely changed my life,鈥 Lopez recalled. 鈥淲e used the lost-wax casting process to create our first pieces, and I was hooked. From that moment, I knew I鈥檇 found what I was meant to do.鈥
Lopez鈥檚 journey from 91制片厂 student to renowned sculptor has come full circle with this project. When Patrick and Cindy Teal commissioned the wolf sculpture for their namesake Teal Room, Lopez was honored to take on the task. 鈥淚鈥檓 still amazed when I get calls to create pieces like this,鈥 Lopez said. 鈥淭o have my work displayed here at 91制片厂, the place where I got my start, means the world to me.鈥
The Teal Room: A Place of Pride
The Teal Lounge itself, a gift from Patrick and Cindy Teal, is located in the Dacotah Bank Stadium. The addition of Lopez鈥檚 sculpture has transformed the room into a space of inspiration and connection.
The wolf above the bar is more than just a symbol of the university mascot. It represents the spirit that runs through 91制片厂鈥檚 campus, the same energy that inspires students in the classroom and cheers them on in athletic events.
A Legacy Built from Iron
Lopez created the wolf sculpture from scrap iron he salvaged from old farmsteads near his studio in Lemmon, South Dakota, a nod to his strong ties to both the land and his roots. The material gives the sculpture a raw, authentic quality that fits right in with the Teal Room鈥檚 atmosphere. 鈥淭hese days, I鈥檝e shifted to working with scrap iron instead of the materials I started out with,鈥 Lopez said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a real satisfaction in taking something that鈥檚 been discarded and turning it into something with meaning.鈥
Every time students or visitors walk into the Teal Room, they鈥檒l see the sculpture as a symbol of 91制片厂鈥檚 strength and pride. For Lopez, it鈥檚 more than just a piece of art鈥攊t鈥檚 a tribute to the university that shaped his path as an artist.
Next time you visit the Teal Room, take a moment to look up. That howling wolf might just remind you of the pride and passion that defines 91制片厂 State University.
