Commissioning artwork for sacred temple spaces is a feat of dedication that has impacted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for generations.
The Provo Rock Canyon Temple, which is undergoing renovations, has many people curious about how the sacred structure comes together. A memorable aspect of temples — their artwork — is carefully curated and commissioned by Church leadership and artists.
Jocelyn Stoehr, a BYU freshman, said she has been personally impacted by temple artwork.
“At my home temple, there's a picture of Jesus in the baptismal font getting baptized,” Stoehr said. “On one side, it’s Him and John, and on the other, it’s the people watching. It’s cool to see both sides and feel like you're part of this greater work that started with Christ’s example.”
Across the globe, people enjoy temple artwork without knowing the underlying story. Initially, art missionaries oversaw artwork in temples. Several were sent to Paris and helped paint murals for the Salt Lake Temple upon their return.
Interior designers eventually began scouting artwork for each temple. About eight years ago, the Church employed temple art curators to select pieces.
Artwork hanging on temple walls can be original or reproduced prints. After passing the First Presidency's approval, art is added to the Temple Art Catalogue, which interior designers use to select prints for each temple. Within the catalog are scenes of scripture, church history, portraits and landscapes.
Artwork can be purchased from an artist or gallery, but 80% is original commissions.
Casey Childs is best known for his oil paintings of Church history scenes. He has commissioned several pieces for the Church’s temples and history museums.
Among his temple commissions are “Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff Reviewing the First Records of the Endowment for the Dead,” which hangs in the St. George Utah Temple, and “John Taylor Dedicating France for the Gospel,” in the Paris France Temple.
Childs emphasized that research and high-quality materials go into each painting.
“The Church is very concerned about archival and quality,” Childs said. “I make sure the work I give them is made using the very best materials and linen.”
From canvas to varnish, the Church puts forth every effort to ensure the paintings last.
Ben Hammond has commissioned three sculptures for Temple Square. The figures are composed of foam and steel and are cast in bronze.
The effort to create these long-lasting statues is no easy feat, but Hammond believes it was worth it.
“I did eight years’ worth of work in five years,” Hammond said. “I felt the opportunity to put pieces somewhere like Temple Square in the long run would be worth the sacrifice.”
Temple artwork is intentional and results from church leadership planning, research and artistic craft. As the artwork for the Provo Rock Canyon Temple is chosen, the Church will continue to implement this process.