Highlights from the Fourth International Art Competition: Pioneering Yesterday and Today exhibition held in 1997.

The artist is a medical doctor in the town of Williston, North Dakota. He wrote that “this wood carving depicts a Russian laborer pondering Moroni 10:4–5 from the Book of Mormon. I chose this subject to celebrate a modern pioneering theme. . . [and to illustrate] the miraculous spread of the Gospel into the former Soviet Union and eastern block countries.”

United States 
1996 
Carved butternut wood 
29 × 15 × 15 in. 
Church History Museum Collection

John Andelin (1951– )

Contemplating Moroni's Promise

Robert Barrett is a noted illustrator who also teaches commercial illustration at Brigham Young University. Concerning this piece he wrote, “Though many pioneers experienced hardship and tragedy on their journey not all memories were sad. The broad prairies covered with lush grass and dotted with larkspur, verbena, and geranium, offered vistas of dramatic beauty.”

United States 
1996 
Oil on canvas 
28 × 22 in. 
Church History Museum Collection

Robert Barrett (1949– )

The Pioneer

This picture contains information that is contrary to everyday experience, such as the immense horse with no reins ridden by four people. These qualities suggest that there is a higher force directing the family to their destination, with a faith like that of the pioneers. Kershisnik has utilized a simplified style reminiscent of eastern European art. His ancestors lived in Slovenia.

United States 
1996 
Oil on canvas 
30 × 42.5 in. 
Church History Museum Collection

Brian Kershisnik (1962– )

Large Horse, Small Rider

Brother Linn wrote: “What lies at the heart of the pioneering process? Courage and the vision to see with an eye of faith are, of course, universal attributes of the pioneer regardless of the destination. However, the pivotal moment for me is when the individual steps off the safe and well–worn path and moves into unknown territory, guided only by the light of faith.”

United States 
1996 
Oil on panel 
58 × 72 in. 
Church History Museum Collection

David Linn (1959– )

The Initial Act

Mogilevsky was a prominent graphic artist employed by the Soviet government. He joined the Church in the 1990s. He wrote, “This image represents today's Russia, pioneering a new identity that seeks to incorporate the best of East and West. An Anglo/Slavic face looks west. An Asian face of eastern Russia looks east. Both are united in building a new future together.

Russia 
1995 
Linocut block print 
18.5 × 15 in. 
Church History Museum Collection

Contemplating Moroni's Promise

The Pioneer

Large Horse, Small Rider

The Initial Act

Second Russia