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The Alliance of Mormon Artists will host a symposium and its inaugural Fine Art and Faith exhibition on March 29–30, 2018, prior to General Conference weekend at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on Temple Square, Salt Lake City.
For more information visit: www.MormonArtists.org.
Cover image: “Children of Light” by Anne Marie Oborn
FIGHTING THE FORCEFUL TIDE
Mediocre and meaningless. Impure and profane. Add shabby, shoddy, and shameful, vulgar and vile and we start to get an accurate picture of the flagrant and foul imagery flung at us from every which way to degrade the dignity of humankind and keep earnest eyes from looking upward.
In our modern society filled with obscene scenes on every side, where do the honest of heart turn to find light, beauty, goodness, truth, and hope?
Devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints know that answers to life’s deep yearnings are only found in the teachings and ways of the Lord. Devoted LDS artists not only know this but portray it in the inspired, reverential, and devotional works of art they create – whether a landscape, inanimate object, or rendition of a sacred theme. Now more than ever before, these faithful LDS artists are valiantly fighting the forceful tide of ugliness and sleaze. And their art is getting noticed and appreciated! Mormon art is bursting out of obscurity!
In every congregation of the Church sit creative, talented, even divinely gifted men and women who are filled with the Holy Spirit. They are standing up and stepping forth in growing numbers, knowing they have something special to offer that will lift and bless another. Some are just beginning to find their artistic expression; others are producing glorious masterpieces. Each shares in a desire to consecrate his or her efforts to the building up of the kingdom of God on the earth. Bringing others unto Christ is the joyful impetus for all.
But who out there wants to do this work alone? Not many, if any. So how does an artist who spends day after day in a solitary studio join together with others who are doing much the same?
ALLIANCE OF MORMON ARTISTS
The road to artistic virtuosity, although a personal path, need not be walked in isolation without sociality, camaraderie, and the sharing that comes from being part of a cohesive, caring group. A new international LDS art association – the Alliance of Mormon Artists (AMA) – offers support, education, and leadership as it welcomes artistically inclined individuals through its doors.
AMA is open to LDS visual fine artists 18 years of age or older of any medium, style, or subject matter – and of all attainment levels. Members are encouraged to develop their artistic abilities to their highest potential through diligent study and application, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and through their testimony and commitment to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. AMA emphasizes listening to the Spirit’s guidance (rather than worldly philosophies) in regards to expressing individual creativity, noting that uplifting art comes in many lines, shapes, colors, and forms, and that not all worthy artwork is meant for a temple or house of worship.
Although AMA is officially only two months old, it is already propelling the cause and influence of inspired fine art forward with enthusiastic momentum. With high-minded aspirations and a driving sense of urgency, the management of AMA is calling upon its wide spectrum of experience spanning decades of professional service to give structure to every decision and program within the organization. AMA’s executive director, Dr. Herman du Toit, former head of education and audience development at the BYU Museum of Art, leads an able and dedicated team of directors and volunteers. All are veteran advocates of refined Mormon art.
FINE ART & FAITH
One of AMA’s primary goals is to provide robust programs that encourage greater works of excellence and present exciting opportunities to share praiseworthy art with the world. This is being accomplished through its global web outreach campaign, through its regularly scheduled workshops, and through its ambitious semiannual Fine Art & Faith symposia and exhibitions to be held each spring and fall. With Dawn Pheysey, former curator of religious art at the BYU Museum of Art, chairing the AMA curatorial council, patrons can be sure of quality exhibitions.
The caliber of painters and sculptors who submitted entries for AMA’s upcoming inaugural exhibition is unsurpassed. Not only are the artists’ technical and artistic skills sublime, but their desire to contribute to the mission of the Church by sharing these heaven-sent talents is keen and vibrant. They are taking seriously President Kimball’s vision “of members of the Church greatly increasing their already strong positions of excellence till the eyes of all the world will be upon us” (The Gospel Vision of the Arts. Ensign, July 1977).
A RENAISSANCE OF RELIGIOUS AND RADIANT ART
Realizing the time has long arrived for a renaissance of religious and radiant art to sweep across the dirt and decay of corrosive simulacrum, Latter-day Saint artists, hearkening to a prophet’s clarion call, are marching center stage with confidence in the grand arena of contemporary art. Equipped with a universally articulate arsenal they are a force that cannot be ignored nor discounted.
There is power behind the edifying and worshipful art created by true followers of Jesus Christ. This beautiful work, enhanced with the spirit of integrity, has the profound ability to stir the deepest ponderings of our souls, whisking artist and viewer beyond this mortal sphere to glimpses of eternity. With each consecrated brush stroke and reverence for the sacred dealings of Deity, the gifted artist reminds us of divine truths, lifts and enlivens our weary spirits, and softens our hearts to receive the Savior into our lives. Surely, our Father above smiles upon His children below when one of them quietly peers at a painting and takes a step closer to His Beloved Son. Such is the influence of inspired, reverential, and devotional art!
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AMA will host a symposium and its inaugural Fine Art and Faith exhibition on March 29–30, 2018, prior to General Conference weekend at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on Temple Square, Salt Lake City. For more information visit: www.MormonArtists.org.