Make Known His Wonderful Works

Selections from the Ninth International Art Competition

All good gifts come from God, and He has given each of us spiritual and physical gifts (see Moroni 10:8–18). We are to exercise these gifts and not idle away our time or bury our talents (see D&C 6:11; 60:13). We are to “pray unto the Lord, call upon his holy name, [and] make known his wonderful works among the people” (D&C 65:4).

The message taught by the Book of Mormon prophet Ether to his people also applies to us today: “Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God” (Ether 12:4).

Here we see the “wonderful works” of several Latter-day Saint artists from around the world who have used their gifts to glorify God. To view these and other works from the Ninth International Art Competition, visit history.lds.org/event/9th-art-comp.

A Circle of God’s Work, by Hidekazu Ina, Japan. This sand-etched glass dish illustrates the circle of missionary work, symbolized in part by the growth of a seed. In the center, twelve stars representing the twelve tribes of Israel surround a large star that represents our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Great Are the Words of Isaiah, by Joyce Stewart, USA. Each of the nine floral blocks in this quilt with crystal embellishments represents a scripture from Isaiah. The grapevine border represents abundance of life and the life of the Savior.

Sealed, by Emily King, USA. This image of a mother and child created from hand-cut paper depicts the importance of family and the opportunity to be sealed to loved ones for eternity.

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God, by Janetta Isabella Stoddart, United Kingdom. This handwoven tapestry captures the moment when the artist sat in the Sahara Desert and gained reverence for the vastness of all God’s works.

The Standard Works, ceramic pieces by E. Clark Marshall, USA. “The Olive Leaf” (top and enlarged below) features Doctrine and Covenants 88; “The Book of Abraham” (second from top) and “Isaiah 29” (third from top) represent the Pearl of Great Price, the Old and New Testaments, and the Book of Mormon.

“I Love to See the Temple” Chest, by Mary Jane Smith, USA. Each drawer of this painted wood chest features a temple that has significance for members of the artist’s family. Lyrics from the song “I Love to See the Temple” also appear on the drawers.

Morning Has Broken, by Claire Lynn Jones, USA. This silk-thread embroidery on linen fabric depicts many of Heavenly Father’s wonderful creations.

Kyiv Ukraine Temple, by Valentyna Musiienko, Ukraine. This cut-paper artwork depicting the Kyiv Ukraine Temple expresses gratitude for the first LDS temple in the former Soviet Union.

His Works—My Blessings, by Diane Fairbanks Brinton, USA. Each appliquéd picture block in this quilt represents a blessing the Lord has bestowed upon His children.

Left: Rhythms of the Planets, by Andrew Watson, USA. The movements of the stars and the handiwork of the Supreme Creator are captured in the coloration and painting of this porcelain vase. Right: The Good Serpent, by Alene Kells, USA. This wheel-thrown, fired clay piece celebrates the good serpent of brass raised by Moses to heal the children of Israel.

All works shown here are copyrighted by the artists; images may not be copied