More than 2,600 young artists living in 30 countries have told the Museum of Church History and Art what they enjoy about their families through a diverse group of drawings, paintings and collages.
Submitting their interpretations to the museum for an international children's art exhibit on display through April 19, the artists drew pictures about gardening, biking, camping, going to movies, reading scriptures, praying and going to Church.A committee of museum staff and volunteers selected 284 pieces to hang in the exhibit. Included are drawings from LDS children living in Russia, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, American Samoa, Switzerland, Italy and many other countries.
"The pictures celebrate the importance of families," said museum educator Jenny Lund, who helped organize the exhibit. "Through their art, the children express their faith in God, their love for families, their insight, and their creativity."
The exhibit, titled, "Through a Child's Eye: All Families of the Earth Be Blessed," is organized into four sections: Families at Worship, Families at Work, Families at Play and a general grouping about families.
Children from ages 5 to 11 responded to an invitation from the museum published in Church periodicals.
Sister Lund said children whose art was selected for exhibition will receive a certificate acknowledging their participation. The art, done in colored pencil, watercolor, oil, crayon, finger paint, and through collage, is mounted for display on brightly colored panels.
Children who visit the exhibit are encouraged to think about the importance of families and to create a portrait of their own family, she said. A gallery handout offers suggestions for family activities and includes quotations from President Ezra Taft Benson about families.
The museum is at 45 N. West Temple, in Salt Lake City. It is open free of charge seven days a week. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The museum will be closed Easter Sunday.