The Eighth International Art Competition, sponsored by the Church History Museum has just opened at the Conference Center and online and will run through October 11. With the theme Remembering the Great Things of God, it is worth stopping life's hectic run to see this art and take a virtual tour on the Internet or, if you're in the area, visit the Conference Center to see the display.

Each entrant was allowed to submit only one work of art–and the entries have all been created since January 1, 2006. Artists were encouraged to create works of art reflecting the theme and title of the exhibition, Remembering the Great Things of God.

This theme was drawn from scriptures that teach the importance of acknowledging and remembering God's works, promises, and covenants to His children. Artists depicted ideas, stories, people, places, doctrines, beliefs, scriptures, teachings, historical events, religious values, and Church, family, and individual experiences in Latter-day Saint life.

The Conference Center is the new venue for the Eighth International Art Competition

Plate Spinners

As a young girl, I watched an Ed Sullivan show performance by a man who could spin plates on long bamboo poles–and it seemed he could keep hundreds of them spinning. Memories of that man's ability have resurfaced often through the years–because there are days, months, and/or years where I feel like the official plate spinner of my small universe. (By the way, there are plate spinners still plying their trade).

I recognize that most of us have much to accomplish and much that weighs us down. We have many plates to spin and we are sad when we allow one to crash to the floor. Perhaps we should set aside a time when we're going to stack up the plates and walk away from the spinning for a brief span of time. It is an experience well worth the effort.

Prior to the official awards ceremony and show opening, I met Patrick Dunshee, Manager of Marketing and Communications for the Church History Department. He arranged a personal tour with both Ray Halls, Exhibit Manager for this year's competition, and Robert Davis, Exhibits Curator, as tour guides.

Robert Davis, Exhibits Curator, was happy to explain that this art exhibit is unique. Each artist has his/her personal reasons for wanting share a work in this exhibit. He said that many of the artists have never entered an artistic competition before–but they feel deeply that they want to share their experience/joy/insight/wisdom/testimony with other Church members. Each story is also unique, so please take the time to read the artist's brief statements about their submissions.

I thought about the plate spinner again. I'm certain that each piece in this exhibit has its own autobiography that could tell us what plates the artist was spinning in his/her life as the work was produced. These artists are obviously committed to the production of exquisite pieces in spite of the demands of life on this planet. I commend every artist for the price they paid to finish and submit their work. Each one is a labor of love, and it shows.

I found myself wondering whether the artist had a full-blown studio with the latest and greatest materials or if he/she had tacked their canvas to the kitchen wall as the well-known artist, Minerva Teichert, had done when she was a young mother. The quality of the work could not answer that question–it is left for the viewer to ponder.

A worldwide range of cultural and aesthetic traditions, styles of art, and various media have been submitted. Entries include paintings, sculptures, drawings, pastels, textiles, pottery, ceramics, jewelry, woodcarvings, photography, metalwork, and original prints.

During reflection on one artist's statement from the Seventh International Art Competition link, I recognized that each piece represents a huge offering of time, resources, and talent. Elizabeth Peterson wrote that it took a year to complete the bobbin lace submission that she made–and that she spent over a thousand hours on it!

When we view these pieces of art, we must remember that each artist deserves our commendations not only for the gift that he/she possesses, but for the willing use of those gifts in our behalf during those many, many hours. They certainly did not stop until they were totally satisfied that this is their best work.

In the current exhibit, many works are an expression of the artist's love for the Savior. Two that caught my rapt attention portrayed Joseph as the caregiver to the Christ child.

The next category, visited multiple times, contains art about women–particularly mothers. The artist's statement that accompanied "Family Frenzy" seemed descriptive and accurate–I wondered if she had peeked into my own life! The artist, Janis Lorene Wunderlich, wrote:

Show Reflects Worldwide Church Membership

The art submitted to this competition reflects the connectedness and commonality among Latter-day Saints across the world. Geographical location and/or cultural background do not limit the artists' abilities: (1) to share heartfelt expressions that affirm life, (2) to reveal the love of God and the Savior, and (3) to honor the heritage of faith shared by Latter-day Saints everywhere.

The original 1,089 submissions originated in 44 countries, with 85 of the artists born outside the United States . Of these, 197 art pieces are being displayed, representing 36 countries. I once heard a teacher say, "there are as many ways to the top of the mountain as there are climbers on the mountain." In this case, I discovered that there are as many methods and/or materials to make an artistic statement as there are artists. From hand-stitched baby gowns to digital photos and from etched and fused glass to a detailed pop-up book made of leather, every piece spoke volumes about the artist and what matters most to them!

As I visited the show, I was struck by the identity and belonging that I felt. We belong to something much larger than ourselves; and we have a multitude of reasons to be optimistic. None of this art is depressing–it is all created for the purpose of showing gratitude, praise, and remembrance for life's bounteous goodness.

I hope you will let the art be food for your soul. Let it make a personal difference to you as in one of my favorite stories, "The Starfish Story." Though not every submission may evoke personal heart tugs for each viewer, it is certain that the artists created their work knowing that they wanted to make a difference to someone.

Whether you view the art exhibit in person or online, your day will be enriched by the experience. Not every piece will resonate with you, but there will be some that do. You will gain insight into the panoramic view of Church members worldwide. You will see a slice of Church history portrayed. You will see works that will strengthen your faith and brighten your day. We may live at a time of uncertainty and discouragement, but for a brief period, we can submerse ourselves in that which is "of good report and praiseworthy."

It takes only a little effort, some transportation creativity, and a yearning for the sublime to set aside some time for this soul-feeding exhibit. Conference Center hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Tours are available from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with prior appointments. To schedule a tour, call 801-240-4615.

I am reminded of the little poem by Sheikh Muslih-uddin Saadi Shirazi ( The Gulistan of Saadi, 1270 ):

"If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store
Two loaves alone to thee are left,
Sell one and from the dole,
Buy hyacinths to feed the soul."

If times are tough, if days are jam-packed, if health problems persist, if discouragement beckons us, or if we just need a lift–viewing the Eighth International Art Competition will serve as "hyacinths to feed the soul."

We can share the links with our children and grandchildren, and through the wonders of technology, they can be inspired by something very wonderful on their home computers. Perhaps it will be a catalyst for helping the youth of the Church to see that there are people who strive for excellence in the art world. For those readers who have children or grandchildren or neighbor children living near them, my advice would be take them to the art competition exhibit (or invite them to see it with you online). While you're viewing, talk to them about your memories and your feelings. That would be a grand experience for all of you.

You will see works that will allow you to share lessons from the pages of the scriptures. You will see works that allow you to share with the children your insights from family history. You may be able to share with the youth how good your life has been because of the influence of wonderful leaders–and inspire them to be great leaders themselves. Surely there is art that will allow you to discuss the personal power that temples provide. The list is long, but you get the idea.