LDS Artists

1. LDS Art - A Brief History The Mormon church was organized on April 6, 1830. When the church was organized, members met in homes and outdoors; however, the church soon commissioned architects to help design some of America's castles, known as temples. LDS art is not necessarily a new thing. We find the absolutely wonderful structures such as the Nauvoo and Kirtland temples, which are artistic masterpieces. Who can forget the fantastic workmanship of the Salt Lake temple, the hours of wood carving and planning that it took the early Saints 40 years to build? LDS art, in the way we know it now, has mainly come about in the past 60 years as the church has commissioned paintings to be completed to meet the needs of the members. Most of these paintings can be found at church distribution centers. Most Latter-day Saints would be familiar

2. with the work of Arnold Friberg, who painted scenes from the Book of Mormon and brought life to its characters. Members are also familiar with the works of Del Parson, who painted the most widely accepted painting of Christ in the LDS faith. Harry Anderson is also a well know artist in the LDS church, however, he was not a member but was asked by the church to provide paintings of the saviors life. Latter-day Saints are probably most familiar with his painting of the second coming. Harry Anderson never joined the Mormon church; he was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist faith. He painted some of the most well known paintings in the church, and members who grew up in the church in the past 30 years will remember them from their childhood. Minerva Teichert painted many paintings that are now owned by the church. Her style brought a softer look to LDS art, and she captured many scriptural scenes, such as Queen Ester, and scenes from the Book of Mormon that other artists had not yet attempted. She also aided in painting the murals inside the Manti Utah Temple. See it here Paintings of God The LDS people love great art work and use LDS art to bring the spirit into their homes and to remember their faith daily. Mormon chapels all over the world have walls aligned with LDS artwork. Many of the members of the church place much emphasis on art. In Salt Lake City there is a church museum, near temple square, which houses LDS art from members all over the world, including art from modern Apostle Elder Boyd K. Packer. Many Latter-day Saints feel that creating art is a way to express their religious convictions and keep the commandment of developing talents for the benefit of mankind. Their hope is to bring souls to Christ.