A powerful new wolf sculpture, created by Northern State University alumnus John Lopez, now sits proudly above the bar in the Teal Room. More than just a representation of Northern’s mascot, the piece captures the deep pride and spirit of the campus community.
The Story Behind the Sculpture
Lopez didn’t just want to create a standard mascot figure. He aimed to capture something larger—the essence of Northern. “I’m always drawn to movement in my work,” Lopez said. “A wolf howling at the moon just felt right for this piece. It’s such a ghostly vision, and it reminded me of the way our fans cheer on the football team with such passion.”
Positioned high above the Teal Room’s bar, the wolf seems alive—frozen in a moment of movement and energy. Lopez’s 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’s 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’t just another project—it was deeply personal. A Northern alum, Lopez’s career in sculpture was shaped by his experiences at the university. “I took my first sculpting class here at Northern, and it completely changed my life,” Lopez recalled. “We used the lost-wax casting process to create our first pieces, and I was hooked. From that moment, I knew I’d found what I was meant to do.”
Lopez’s journey from Northern 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. “I’m still amazed when I get calls to create pieces like this,” Lopez said. “To have my work displayed here at Northern, the place where I got my start, means the world to me.”
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’s 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 Northern’s 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’s atmosphere. “These days, I’ve shifted to working with scrap iron instead of the materials I started out with,” Lopez said. “There’s a real satisfaction in taking something that’s been discarded and turning it into something with meaning.”
Every time students or visitors walk into the Teal Room, they’ll see the sculpture as a symbol of Northern’s strength and pride. For Lopez, it’s more than just a piece of art—it’s 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 Northern State University.
