Yankton, SD (2026)
The Sacred Heart Parish wished to update its worship space to inspire the faithful. The vision was a grand mural a la the Sistine Chapel and other historic cathedrals. This one didn’t quite take four years to paint like Michelangelo’s, but it still succeeds in drawing the eye upward – away from earthly affairs and toward the Divine.
Prior to renovations, Sacred Heart Parish was a perfectly nice church, just in need of some TLC. The flooring was due for replacement, pews needed work, lighting and casework were dated, and the paint job was a bit drab, among some other cosmetic wishlist items. Functional HVAC and roofing improvements were on the list as well. The pipe organ needed a tune-up.
Beyond the necessary improvements, we pushed the client to imagine the most inspiring version of the space. How can the design deepen the worship experience? How can it draw new parishioners and make the old-timers say, “We should’ve done this sooner”?
We collaborated with the folks at Conrad Schmitt Studios to conceive the mural design and marry it to the architecture, particularly the existing stained glass and the new wood-cladded beams that span the ceiling. These wood tones are reflected at ground level in the pews and on wall surfaces, creating a cohesive interior experience. Supplemental murals in the chancel are related yet distinct, with colors and geometries that complement the primary ceiling artwork.
The updated space has a newfound lightness that was missing before. It’s joyful, energizing, and hopefully a source of awe for parishioners and visitors alike.
