As local Catholics continue their observance of the Year of the Eucharist & St. Joseph, the Archdiocese of New Orleans is inviting artists of the community to contribute to the observance by giving artistic expression to the love poured out to us in Christ through the Eucharist.
In Pope St. John Paul II’s Letter to Artists in 1999, the Holy Father wrote, “Society needs artists…artists have their unique place. Obedient to their inspiration in creating works both worthwhile and beautiful, they…enrich the cultural heritage of each nation and of all humanity.” It is in this spirit, that the archdiocese invites local artists to “enrich” the Year of the Eucharist & St. Joseph by creating original works of art that will move the hearts of those who view them to contemplate the truth and beauty of Christ present in the Eucharist.
The art contest is officially open and meant to give local artists of all ages an opportunity to express their faith through their art. There are two categories: an Open Art Contest for adults and a Youth Art Contest for those in grades K-12.
For the Open Art Contest, all artists 18 years of age and older are invited to participate. Ten finalists will have their works publicly displayed in the Year of the Eucharist Art Gallery at various places and events around the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Finalists will have the option to have their work auctioned at the end of the year with a portion of the proceeds benefiting a Catholic Non-Profit of the Artist’s choosing and the remainder going to the Artists to support their continued work. More information and contest guidelines may be found online at
https://yoeartcontest.org/open-art-contest/.
Artists in grades K-12 at Catholic Schools, private or public schools, or homeschools may enter the Youth Contest, though artists between the ages of 15 and 18 may enter the Open Contest with parental permission. In this category, pieces must be “two dimensional”, no greater than 12”X12”, and must conform to the specifications listed in the rules found online at
https://yoeartcontest.org/youth-art-contest/. Winners from each class will have their works publicly displayed in the Year of the Eucharist Art Gallery at various places and events around the Archdiocese.
All submissions are due by 5:00pm April 23rd, 2021and must be submitted electronically for the first review at
https://yoeartcontest.org/.
As a special way to increase participation and encourage inspiration, the archdiocese is inviting all artists to a special Evening of Adoration for Artists on Tuesday, March 16 from 6 to 7 pm at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 3368 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans. The evening will include adoration, benediction, and reflection themed on the importance and significance of art in expressing one’s faith. All artists are welcome to attend.
For complete information about the Year of the Eucharist Art Contest visit
https://yoeartcontest.org/. For more information about all of the activities and events of the Year of the Eucharist & St. Joseph or to subscribe for regular messages and updates visit
http://nolacatholic.org/eucharist.