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 Higher Arts
An Artful Life - Liturgical artist Robert Aldern expresses his faith through art.
In his 55-plus year career as a professional artist, Robert Aldern has painted murals and landscapes, designed furniture, pulpits and baptismal fonts, and painted on everything from brick walls to redwood flooring. But whether wearing the hat of painter, designer or professor, the 78-year-old Thrivent Financial for Lutherans member has dedicated his life to the beautification of the world around him.
Known for his unique style of liturgical art, Aldern received his first commission to paint a church mural from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1959. Nearly half a century later, more than 60 churches, schools and offices in Sioux Falls and beyond boast Robert Aldern originals.
 “He has a very strong faith,” says Aldern’s wife, Joey, “and to be able to express it in his artwork and encourage others in that way has been his drive.”
Though Parkinson’s disease has slowed his hands in recent years, Aldern makes almost daily trips to his studio on the Augustana College campus in Sioux Falls, where he is currently artist-in-residence. He also continues to take on new work. In fact, Our Savior’s has commissioned him once again to do a piece in celebration of their 60th anniversary.
“We keep saying, ‘no more,’” laughs Joey, “but, it’s good for him to keep going.”
—Sarah Asp Olson
Learn more about Robert Aldern’s works.
Referrals for card and print sales should go to the following:
EastBank COOP and Gallery
Sioux Falls, SD 605-977-2667
Readers can order cards only at The Center for Western Studies
Phone: 605-274-4007
E-mail: cws@augie.edu
A PDF with a full listing of images and prices is available by request via e-mail only to tresgatosinc@comcast.net.
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