Blessings of the gospel are depicted in children's art exhibit
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A recent "call for entries" for a children's art exhibit at the Church History Museum drew responses from 1,700 young artists from 42 countries and 45 U.S. states. The many submissions included a variety of media and themes, ranging from portraits of President Thomas S. Monson to imaginative depictions of pivotal moments from the scriptures and Church history.
But curators here say each entry in the recently opened exhibit "The Gospel Blesses My Life" is more than canvas, paint, textile and ink.
"It's not just children's art," said exhibit curator Angela Ames. "Each [entry] is a profound testimony that children bear through their creative works."
The children's art exhibit is a joint project sponsored by the Church History Museum and the Friend magazine. Some 360 pieces of art are on display in the museum's basement gallery, while hundreds more can be viewed on digital screens located in the exhibit. Some of the creations will also be published in future issues of the Friend.
As expected, "The Gospel Blesses My Life" explores a wide variety of LDS themes. A wall dedicated to living gospel principles includes paintings depicting prayer, priesthood blessings, family home evening and scripture study.
Portraits of Christ and moments from His mortal mission were also popular subjects. Several other paintings depict President Monson with his counselors in the First Presidency — President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf — standing faithfully at his side.
Other gallery panels are dedicated to art work capturing inspiring moments from the scriptures, temples throughout the world, latter-day prophets, eternal families, missionary work, God's creations and the Restoration and pioneer heritage. While much of the art is representational, several entries are quite abstract. All speak to a child's gospel learning following years of family home evening and Primary classes.
The exhibit includes an interactive element that allows visitors to contribute to the show. Art-minded folks of all ages can craft their own depictions of gospel blessings that are then transmitted to a large viewing screen in the center of the gallery.
The museum is located at 45 N. West Temple in Salt Lake City.
