The Museum of Church History and Art is located adjacent to Temple Square, next door to the Family History Library.
History
The front portion of the building showcases artifacts from the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Pieces that caught my attention:
-- Heber J. Grant, 7th president of the church was known for, among other things, his refined apparel. A stunning top hat and coat that he wore are on display.
-- Brigham Young’s trendy, green-lensed sunglasses
-- Joseph Smith’s flintlock pistol, sword scabbard and epaulettes
--A 45-star flag
Art
The Sixth Annual Art Competition drew over 700 entries from Latter-day Saint artists around the world. 171 works were selected and are on display through September 1, 2003.
Many media and styles are exhibited, including oil, watercolor, sculpture, stained glass and fabric. Artists from 30 countries are represented and a good number of pieces reflect the culture of those countries. Among my favorite pieces:
--"Elizabeth H. Jackson: Pioneer Mother" by Megan Rieker. A painting of a pioneer mother huddled by a small fire, one child at each side and another on her lap. This oil painting took me in and brought me to tears even before I read the story behind it. On the trek westward in the bitter winter, many pioneers died along the way, including Elizabeth’s husband. The men who were left became too weak to even pitch tents. As a weary Elizabeth and her children gathered close to the fire, she fell asleep. Her husband appeared to her in a dream saying, "Cheer up, Elizabeth; deliverance is at hand." Very soon after the dream, a rescue party arrived bringing food and supplies and guided the exhausted travelers to their new home in the west.
--A carved wood sculpture by artist Louie Kinyon titled, "In the Hand of the Lord," depicts a small pioneer handcart resting in the cup of a protecting hand.
--"Sarah & Isaac", by Scott Snow. An oil painting of the lined and aged Sarah, marveling at her newborn son, Isaac.
--"Peace, Not as the World Giveth," by Michael Malm . This oil painting depicts one of the wise virgins with the flame from her lighted oil lamp reflecting on her face. Stunning use of light in this painting.
Spend a couple of hours in this museum, enjoying excellent, uplifting art and artifacts from the pioneer history of the west. Admission is free.