An impressive ceramic wall sculpture created by Gregg Luginbuhl, Bluffton artist, now adorns the entrance of DTR Industries.

MORE PHOTOS AT BOTTOM OF STORY.

The sculpture was a commission Luginbuhl accepted last year from the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce as a gift from the community to DTR on its 25th anniversary.

Fred Steiner, chamber director, said that the chamber’s gift is a modest “thank you” to DTR Industries for many contributions it has made to Bluffton over the past quarter century.

The work, titled “Koi Pool: A Community Success,” includes three ceramic koi fish in a pond. The pond includes the names of all DTR associates.

Luginbuhl said that while the piece has many meanings its represents the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the community and DTR.

Luginbuhl was commissioned to create the piece last summer. It was officially presented to DTR at the Sept. 12 chamber breakfast and was installed in the DTR entrance earlier this week.

Luginbuhl, a Bluffton native, graduated from Bluffton College and holds a master’s of fine arts (MFA) from the University of Montana. He is an emeritus professor of art at Bluffton University.

His work is in permanent display in several locations around the community. His “Creation Series” is in Yoder Recital Hall. He also created the memorial to the Bluffton University baseball players killed in a bus accident in 2007. That work is near the university baseball field. He is the winner of several significant art awards.

Luginbuhl said that koi fish, which are colored carp, were used in the wall sculpture because the fish represent good luck and good fortune in the Japanese culture.

The chamber noted many DTR contributions to the Bluffton community over the years. These include an annual scholarship to a Bluffton High School graduate, and significant donations to the Bluffton Public Library, Bluffton Hospital, Bluffton schools and Bluffton EMS. In addition, DTR is an annual sponsor of all Bluffton chamber events.