Children “Picture” the Book of Mormon through Artwork
Contributed By By Kathy Bence, Church News contributor
The Rivera Martinez family looks at the wall of children’s art during the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center art exhibit, El Libro de Mormon a Traves de los Ojos de un Nino (The Book of Mormon through the Eyes of a Child), held in October 2013.
Article Highlights
- Children from three Hispanic stakes in Los Angeles used several art mediums to share their interpretations of Book of Mormon stories.
- The artwork was displayed in the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center throughout October.
- More than 200 attended the gala opening, and many first-time visitors came during the month to view the artwork.
“We were pleased with the participation of so many children and the varied paintings and drawings that told their unique views of this important scripture.” —Sandia Hyer, full-time missionary, Southern California Public Affairs Council
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LOS ANGELES
Surrounded by the artwork of 150 children from the three nearby Spanish-speaking stakes, Church members and others recently gathered at the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center to celebrate the opening of an art exhibit, El Libro de Mormon a Traves de los Ojos de un Nino (The Book of Mormon through the Eyes of a Child).
“We’re always looking for occasions to introduce members from our area to the great programs, missionary opportunities, and family home evening lessons available at the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center,” said Elder Jerryl L. Garns, an Area Seventy. “This art exhibit has been just such an occasion, especially for our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters.”
Sister Sandia Hyer, a full-time missionary with the Southern California Public Affairs Council, explained that children ages 8 to 12 in the three Hispanic stakes within the Los Angeles California Temple District were allowed to use several art mediums to share their interpretations of Book of Mormon stories. She said that Sister Cristina Jenks, a longtime member of the East Los Angeles California (Spanish-speaking) Stake, worked closely with the three stakes to encourage the participation of their Primary children.
“We were pleased with the participation of so many children and the varied paintings and drawings that told their unique views of this important scripture,” Sister Hyer said. “And it was wonderful to have more than 200 attending the gala opening, taking pictures in front of the artwork, and enjoying a short program with testimonies shared and strengthened.”
The visitors’ center director, Elder Donald V. Shakespear, and his wife, Sister Karma Shakespear, have been enthusiastic about how many first-time visitors are turning out to enjoy the children’s artwork, which was on display throughout October.
“We’ve found that as others have been drawn to this memorable, visually stunning exhibit, they’ve become aware of the many spiritual opportunities available at our visitors’ center,” he said.
