From Deseret News archives:
LDS art competition in Conference Center
Still, competition organizers aren't averse to tweaking tradition to bring the exhibition to a wider, perhaps new audience.
For the first time since The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began sponsoring the juried art show, the selected works are being displayed at the Conference Center. Previous competitions — which are staged every three years — were hosted by the Church History Museum.
The theme of the 8th International Art Competition is \"Remembering the Great Things of God.\" More than 1,000 artworks by professional and amateur artists from 44 nations submitted entries to be considered by a team of judges. Nearly 200 were selected for the exhibition, representing 36 countries.
A wide range of media define the competition, ranging from traditional oil paintings to fired ceramic, cut paper, stained glass and textile. The show's subject matter is also diverse. Each piece acts as a visual testimony borne by its respective creator. Subjects range from familiar moments from the scriptures and LDS history to personal interpretations of faith and gospel living.
The competition opened Friday with a reception and an awards ceremony. Twenty artists received merit awards, while another 18 were honored with purchase awards.
\"I stand in awe of those of you who have contributed to this competition,\" said Church Historian and Recorder Elder Marlin K. Jensen, a member of the Seventy.
During his remarks at the reception, Elder Jensen said he was pleased with the true global flavor of the competition. He appreciated the awe and respect demonstrated by each selected artist who articulated \"the great things of God.\"
\"To have art serve that purpose is one of the highest purposes that art could possibly fulfill,\" he added.
The 8th International Art Competition will be on display on the second level of the Conference Center through Oct. 11, 2009.
Organizers are already preparing for the next edition of the competition. At the conclusion of Friday's reception, Elder Jensen invited LDS artists from around the world to create new works of art for the 9th International Art Competition to be held in 2012. The theme for that competition is \"Make Known His Wonderful Works.\"
Information regarding entry dates and rules will be released later this year.
