Calling All Artists: Celebrating the Restoration Art Exhibit
Clairissa CooperUPDATE: Expressing deep concern about the global spreading of illness caused by COVID-19, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have placed restrictions on large gatherings of Church members, stating that “[w]e want to be good global citizens and do what we can to control this contagious illness.” On March 12, the Church temporarily suspended all public gatherings of Church members, including all public worship services as well as ward and stake activities.
Thankfully, with technology, the Celebrating the Restoration Art Exhibit will go forward as a virtual art exhibit. Members are encouraged to create artwork and email a high-quality photo of it to Clairissa Cooper between now and April 5. The images will be published on local Church social media sites for many to enjoy. For personal artwork collections that were to be loaned, please send an email with the title and artist so that links may be shared to images with appropriate copyright licensing.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Texas are celebrating the 200th anniversary of God the Father and Jesus Christ appearing to 14- year-old Joseph Smith, which marked the beginning of the Restoration. President Russell M. Nelson designated the year 2020 as a bicentennial year and encouraged Latter-day Saints to “immerse yourself in the glorious light of the Restoration” in preparation for April General Conference.
In response to President Nelson’s invitation, the Lewisville Stake is hosting a “Celebrating the Restoration” art exhibit that will feature original artwork by local members of the Church and personal collections of artwork on loan. Latter-day Saints are encouraged to create or lend artwork featuring the early events of the Restoration in various mediums – paintings, illustrations, sculptures, photographs, and more.
The artwork will be displayed April 3-5 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 902 Chinn Chapel Rd, Highland Village, Texas 75077.
“Spiritual artwork has a universal language. It is faith-based art that provides an opportunity for the Holy Ghost to testify truths,” said Anita Robbins, member of the Church of Jesus Christ Double Oak ward. Anita and her husband Marty own Studio Art House and are opening up their Flower Mound studio March 12 for those who wish to create a piece for the exhibit.
“As artists, Marty and I look to God’s art all around us as inspiration for our own work. As Alma 30:44 states, ‘all things denote there is a God.’”
Those who wish to contribute to the exhibit are asked to sign up. All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate.
