Three breeds of sheep. A parental arm guiding a child toward the light. A grief-stricken form holds up a small sparrow. Multiethnic believers on the Day of Pentecost. A somber Christ in Gethsemane. A gaggle of shoes in every style under church pews.
These are among the winning entries in the 12th Annual International Art Competition sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Some 800 artists submitted works that depicted the theme, “All Are Alike Unto God,” a phrase from the Book of Mormon, the church’s signature scripture.
(Ryan Moffett) “Not Even a Sparrow,” clay. The work, from Utah, is featured in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ 12th International Art Competition.
The artists and styles were as varied as the way they portrayed the theme — hailing from Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, England, Estonia, Fiji, Germany, Ghana, Iraq, Italy, Malawi, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Ukraine and the United States, among others, and using diverse media, including sculpture, ceramic, chitenge and tapa.
They expressed notions of inclusion, diversity, community and the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for all humanity.
(Alyce Bailey) "The Others," pen and acrylic on linen. The work, from Australia, is featured in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 12th International Art Competition.
Jesus referred to himself as the “Good Shepherd,” writes artist Alyce Bailey, who used pen and acrylic on linen to create the three breeds of sheep image. “As his disciples, members of God’s church are charged to help Christ seek the lost sheep. Regardless of breed, gender, or pedigree, in the eyes of the Good Shepherd, we as his sheep are all alike and are known, loved, and wanted.”
(Joanne McLeish) “The Tapestry of Rescue and Redemption,” cotton thread on linen. The work, from Canada, is featured in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ 12th International Art Competition.
(Joseph Banda) "But This Is That which Was Spoken by the Prophet Joel," acrylic on canvas, chitenge material, and banana fiber. The work, from Malawi, is featured in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 12th International Art Competition.
Using chitenge cloth commonly used in Malawi, Joseph Banda portrays the Day of Pentecost as described in the Bible, saying, “listeners from many nations were able to feel the spirit of the Lord.”
And all those feet?
(Carol Johnson) "Pew Shoes," fabric and thread. The work, from Utah, is featured in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 12th International Art Competition.
“Who has two left feet? No shoes? Do you see the deacons? Where do you sit in church?” artist Carol Johnson writes in her description. “Who did I leave out, and who should have been included?”
Johnson wanted to reflect “the wonderful diversity” of Latter-day Saints and “God’s love for all of them.”
Until last week, 148 of them were on display at the Church History Museum, but will continue to be available digitally.
(Julie Yuen Yim) "Partake of His Goodness," Chinese ink and colors. The work, from Hong Kong, is featured in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 12th International Art Competition.
(Michelle Romano) "The Invitation," wood marquetry. The work, from California, is featured in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 12th International Art Competition.
(Ryan Muldowney) "Man of Sorrows," oil on canvas. The work, from Idaho, is featured in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 12th International Art Competition.
(Emma Koepsell) "Inviteth Them All," textile. The work, form Utah, is featured in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 12th International Art Competition.
