(Photo courtesy of Karen Foster.)
The fourth annual Christmas Art Showcase, featured at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, is full of Christmas spirit and holiday festivities.
The showcase contains the works of local Utah artists with Christmas-related themes, decorations and Christmas carolers. The Joseph Smith Memorial building Bonneville room will be open to the public for the free event on Dec. 5–7. Participating artists will display, explain and sell their works.
The Inspirational Art Association organizes the Christmas Art Showcase each year to encourage creation and promotion of inspirational art. The art chosen for the showcase features Jesus Christ and other holiday themes to inspire visitors of the event and celebrate the holiday season.
“Being a part of the Inspirational Art Association is a highlight in my life,” said Karen Foster, an artist from the Inspirational Art Association. “I get to associate with wonderful people who are so upbeat and supportive of me and each other. Their art brings such positive feelings into my life and makes me want to share the light of Christ with others through art I create. It makes me want to be a better person.”
Annie Henrie, another artist featured in this year’s showcase, chose new work and variations of previous paintings. Henrie, a BYU alumna since 2010, paints religious artwork inspired by her mission to England. Her prints are sold in Deseret Book stores.
“I love the concept of angels,” Henrie said. “I feel that paintings of them help me to remember miracles in my life.”
A variety of artwork, from mixed media, stained glass, watercolors and oil paintings, creates this year’s line up. The showcase features many recognized artists local to Utah, such as Liz Lemon Swindle, Del Parson and Ruth Hewlett Buckmiller.
The exhibit exemplifies the association’s goals to present “wholesome content” with its theme surrounding Christ and the holidays to inspire those who attend.
“If you have ever heard that a picture is worth 1,000 words, you will understand why our 2013 showcase will infuse your life with volumes of inspirational stories, thoughts and the joy of God’s creations,” said Linda Curley Christensen, the 2013 President of the Inspirational Art Association.
The Joseph Smith Memorial Building is located at 15 East South Temple in Salt Lake City, near the Salt Lake City Temple. The public Christmas Showcase in the Bonneville room is on December 5-7 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
