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Religious Education

2023 Visualizing Learning Exhibit Pieces

Updated: March 25, 2024 11:33 AM
The Day of the Lord (Eden Smith)

The Day of the Lord


Eden Smith



While studying the book of Isaiah in-depth throughout the fall of 2023, I challenged myself to look at Jesus Christ in a new way: as the fierce and vengeful Jehovah, God of the Old Testament. Although I am normally a painter and have never sculpted before, grappling with a new artistic medium has helped me to more fully grasp this side of Jesus that I sometimes fear. My sculpture, “The Day of the Lord,” visually represents Jehovah's vow in Isaiah 27:1 that He “shall punish leviathan, the piercing serpent.” Prophets in the Old Testament often use the phrase “the day of the Lord” to describe such occasions where Jehovah comes in anger to destroy the enemies of His people, such as the Jews’ exodus from Egypt, their delivery from Babylon, or millennial return of Jesus Christ. Although these examples are powerful, this promise is not confined to the distant past or the far-off future. Through His Atonement, Christ has the power to fight our battles against anxiety, depression, addiction, and loneliness each day. In the fire of His anger, He will never turn against His people, but will rebuke the very forces of darkness for our good.
A Gathering in Nauvoo

A Gathering in Nauvoo


Paige Northrup



I was inspired to render this painting in my Foundations of the Restorations class (REL C 225, taught by Brother Sainsbury) as I learned more about baptism for the dead in the early restoration. Acrylic paint depicts the Nauvoo temple, the first temple to have proxy baptisms, and it sits above the Mississippi River, where faithful saints performed the very first proxy baptisms of the restoration. In painting, I added certain symbols that reminded me of proxy baptism. Some of these symbols include a diverse group of 12 oxen (symbolizing the tribes of Israel), the color white (symbolizing the Celestial Kingdom), and a fall scene (symbolizing death).

It was moving to learn about the excitement and eagerness of the early saints to gather Israel through performing proxy baptisms. My oxen in this painting are gathered around the river to symbolize this gathering that comes through the ordinance of baptism. This project enriched mylearning experience in my class and strengthened my testimony by reminding me of God’s great love for all His children on either side of the veil, how He works through saints and prophets to restore His church, and how His ordinances allow us to return to Him.
Stitches of Eternal Marriage
Scanned Document

Stitches of Eternal Marriage


Maylan Fielding



After the death of Joseph and Hyrum, Emma Smith quilted a blanket out of their clothing. She performed this act of love and memory in her time of mourning. According to authorities at the Church of Christ who maintain ownership of the blanket, Emma likely quilted it in her bedroom next to the fireplace.

This painting was inspired by my religion class, “Foundations of the Restoration.” My professor challenged the class to search out a subject we wanted to learn more about, which led me to study Emma Smith and her family. This painting symbolizes how eternal families are stitched together; no matter how young a child is who passes away, the family remains together. Hence, Joseph tenderly watches over his dear wife while holding their son Don Carlos. I chose that son specifically because later in Emma's life she had a vision where she was able to hold him. There is much joy in this simple doctrine that I hope continues to spread to those who have lost someone dear.
With His Stripes We are Healed

With His Stripes We are Healed


Tyler Christensen

One of my favorite passages of scripture that I studied in my Book of Mormon class is found in Mosiah 14:3-5 (see also Isaiah 53:3-5). The scripture describes our Savior's Atonement: He carried our sorrows and was wounded for our transgressions so that we could have the chance to be made perfect one day—free from the pains of this life. While working on this sculpture I was going through a challenging time where my faith was tried and tested. However, my testimony was strengthened as I drew closer to my Redeemer through studying and focusing on His Atonement. This piece represents what we can become through His Atonement. One side shows a dark and rusty crown of thorns, which can represent each of us as we make mistakes in this life. The other half of the crown is brought to life by the shine of roses and leaves. This "life" represents both the Resurrection of the Lamb of God, and the perfection we can achieve as we take His name upon us and repent of our sins. Through His suffering all things can be made perfect—even a crown of thorns.
I Want Only What You Want

I Want Only What You Want


Brooklyn Eardley



This piece depicts a tearful, college-aged boy looking up at his Savior and finally deciding to give up his own will to choose the Lord's instead. This last semester, as I desperately searched for personal peace, I happened to listen to a talk by Henry B. Eyring entitled “Steady in the Storms”. In this talk President Eyring describes a simple prayer which says “I want only what You want. Just tell me what that is. I’ll do it.” Those words sunk deep into my mind, and I had the realization that I was trying too hard to do everything on my own. Just as the boy in the drawing I had to have many humbling and tearful conversations with God about letting go and truly letting Him and my Savior lead. I heard God speak more clearly to me than He had in a long time, and I felt the familiar love of my Savior as I progressed. I am grateful for my religion classes and the individual insights they have provided, and to be learning to love the phrase “I want only what You want.”
The Kingdom of Heaven

The Kingdom of Heaven


Olivia Christensen

In Matthew 13:33, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a woman baking leavened bread. In my New Testament class we discussed this parable and learned of the common, ancient belief that both leaven and women bore connotations of uncleanness. What struck me in class, and continues to ring in my heart, was the idea that in teaching this parable, Jesus provides salvation for both “impure” subjects by declaring them not only clean, but comparable to the very heavens themselves. This little parable taught me that the Lord forgets not a soul, and that we are all meant for heaven. In my work, I tried to portray a feeling of heaven, as well as one of love and sacrifice, in hopes that the viewer would feel a sense of peace that comes with knowing we are enough for the Lord.
Unsure

Unsure


Talavou Fitisemanu



My great-grandfather is known for his decision to deny the highest chief title, to become king of Samoa, in order to remain a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—a decision that left many unsure as to his intentions and understanding of this life. I know this choice to have changed the trajectory of my own life. This piece aims to capture the unsafe journey of mortality by finding clarity through Christ, with the patterns of the Pacific representing beauty in our battles for self-refinement. I desire to add to the legacy of making decisions that reflect knowledge of hope. As I have learned more about the life of Christ in Dr. Abbott’s New Testament class, I have been reminded that this gospel requires action. It is not enough to think, ponder, and pray—we must do. No one can walk on water for us. We must take our own steps with faith, trusting in the example and guidance of our Savior to guide us home.
When Saw We Thee

When Saw We Thee


Brock Hill



My religion classes at BYU have helped make Jesus Christ a more familiar and personal figure to me. I tried to accomplish the same in this piece, and I’m grateful for my professor who assigned me a project that initiated this work. In Matthew 25:34-40, I believe that Christ is trying to teach us that the way we treat others really matters. In life, we come across many people who are sick, hungry, and imprisoned, whether it is physically, emotionally or spiritually. The people in these verses ask “when saw we thee?” meaning they might not have recognized the importance of their good deeds. Everyone you encounter is most likely facing some of the toughest times in their life. This can often go unrecognized by us. But Christ is able to see the incredible potential in everyone, especially those whom we tend to overlook. My hope is that you can see how worthy of love you are and how worthy of love is every soul around you. As we seek to lift those who are burdened in any way, let us begin to see them as Christ sees them.
Condescension

Condescension


Noelle Rogers



Something that fascinates me about Christ is how He has experienced both being fully divine and fully human. I wanted to attempt to reflect that truth through this piece. I settled on a sketchbook style for His hands and head to depict the flesh and bone of Christ with the rest of Him being enveloped by the cosmos of creation to show His divine power to save. I hope that viewers of the piece will feel a similar awe that I do for Christ’s condescension, that He came and died for us and fully experienced what it’s like to be mortal, all while being a divine entity that aided in the creation of the Earth. I’m grateful for the assignment in my religion class that challenged me to deepen my understanding of Christ and led me to create this piece.
Ties to Heaven

Ties to Heaven


Ella Bowman



Inspired by my Foundations of the Restoration class, I painted this representation of how restored covenants are a sacred relationship and source of guidance. Our covenants are a direct line of direction from above and a lifeline for our spirit. When we are faithful, we are promised eternal blessings which tie us to heaven—we are “bound” through covenants into a relationship with our Heavenly Father. This painting is a representation of the pulling forces of faith and the adversary. The evils of this world try to pull us to diverse darkness and wrap us in traps, but if we hold to our covenants—our ties to heaven—we can break free from these snares (2 Nephi 9: 45). Although there is darkness all around the woman, she relies on the light from above and grips tight to the unbreakable rod to God. This piece has the personal meaning of when I have chosen to let my faith lead in my learning process rather than focusing on the distractions that weigh heavy on my mortal life. Focusing on the direct light from my covenants will always lead me to truth and forever tie me to my Family above.
1 of 10
The Day of the Lord (Eden Smith)

The Day of the Lord


Eden Smith



While studying the book of Isaiah in-depth throughout the fall of 2023, I challenged myself to look at Jesus Christ in a new way: as the fierce and vengeful Jehovah, God of the Old Testament. Although I am normally a painter and have never sculpted before, grappling with a new artistic medium has helped me to more fully grasp this side of Jesus that I sometimes fear. My sculpture, “The Day of the Lord,” visually represents Jehovah's vow in Isaiah 27:1 that He “shall punish leviathan, the piercing serpent.” Prophets in the Old Testament often use the phrase “the day of the Lord” to describe such occasions where Jehovah comes in anger to destroy the enemies of His people, such as the Jews’ exodus from Egypt, their delivery from Babylon, or millennial return of Jesus Christ. Although these examples are powerful, this promise is not confined to the distant past or the far-off future. Through His Atonement, Christ has the power to fight our battles against anxiety, depression, addiction, and loneliness each day. In the fire of His anger, He will never turn against His people, but will rebuke the very forces of darkness for our good.
2 of 10
A Gathering in Nauvoo

A Gathering in Nauvoo


Paige Northrup



I was inspired to render this painting in my Foundations of the Restorations class (REL C 225, taught by Brother Sainsbury) as I learned more about baptism for the dead in the early restoration. Acrylic paint depicts the Nauvoo temple, the first temple to have proxy baptisms, and it sits above the Mississippi River, where faithful saints performed the very first proxy baptisms of the restoration. In painting, I added certain symbols that reminded me of proxy baptism. Some of these symbols include a diverse group of 12 oxen (symbolizing the tribes of Israel), the color white (symbolizing the Celestial Kingdom), and a fall scene (symbolizing death).

It was moving to learn about the excitement and eagerness of the early saints to gather Israel through performing proxy baptisms. My oxen in this painting are gathered around the river to symbolize this gathering that comes through the ordinance of baptism. This project enriched mylearning experience in my class and strengthened my testimony by reminding me of God’s great love for all His children on either side of the veil, how He works through saints and prophets to restore His church, and how His ordinances allow us to return to Him.
3 of 10
Stitches of Eternal Marriage

Stitches of Eternal Marriage


Maylan Fielding



After the death of Joseph and Hyrum, Emma Smith quilted a blanket out of their clothing. She performed this act of love and memory in her time of mourning. According to authorities at the Church of Christ who maintain ownership of the blanket, Emma likely quilted it in her bedroom next to the fireplace.

This painting was inspired by my religion class, “Foundations of the Restoration.” My professor challenged the class to search out a subject we wanted to learn more about, which led me to study Emma Smith and her family. This painting symbolizes how eternal families are stitched together; no matter how young a child is who passes away, the family remains together. Hence, Joseph tenderly watches over his dear wife while holding their son Don Carlos. I chose that son specifically because later in Emma's life she had a vision where she was able to hold him. There is much joy in this simple doctrine that I hope continues to spread to those who have lost someone dear.
4 of 10
With His Stripes We are Healed

With His Stripes We are Healed


Tyler Christensen

One of my favorite passages of scripture that I studied in my Book of Mormon class is found in Mosiah 14:3-5 (see also Isaiah 53:3-5). The scripture describes our Savior's Atonement: He carried our sorrows and was wounded for our transgressions so that we could have the chance to be made perfect one day—free from the pains of this life. While working on this sculpture I was going through a challenging time where my faith was tried and tested. However, my testimony was strengthened as I drew closer to my Redeemer through studying and focusing on His Atonement. This piece represents what we can become through His Atonement. One side shows a dark and rusty crown of thorns, which can represent each of us as we make mistakes in this life. The other half of the crown is brought to life by the shine of roses and leaves. This "life" represents both the Resurrection of the Lamb of God, and the perfection we can achieve as we take His name upon us and repent of our sins. Through His suffering all things can be made perfect—even a crown of thorns.
5 of 10
I Want Only What You Want

I Want Only What You Want


Brooklyn Eardley



This piece depicts a tearful, college-aged boy looking up at his Savior and finally deciding to give up his own will to choose the Lord's instead. This last semester, as I desperately searched for personal peace, I happened to listen to a talk by Henry B. Eyring entitled “Steady in the Storms”. In this talk President Eyring describes a simple prayer which says “I want only what You want. Just tell me what that is. I’ll do it.” Those words sunk deep into my mind, and I had the realization that I was trying too hard to do everything on my own. Just as the boy in the drawing I had to have many humbling and tearful conversations with God about letting go and truly letting Him and my Savior lead. I heard God speak more clearly to me than He had in a long time, and I felt the familiar love of my Savior as I progressed. I am grateful for my religion classes and the individual insights they have provided, and to be learning to love the phrase “I want only what You want.”
6 of 10
The Kingdom of Heaven

The Kingdom of Heaven


Olivia Christensen

In Matthew 13:33, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a woman baking leavened bread. In my New Testament class we discussed this parable and learned of the common, ancient belief that both leaven and women bore connotations of uncleanness. What struck me in class, and continues to ring in my heart, was the idea that in teaching this parable, Jesus provides salvation for both “impure” subjects by declaring them not only clean, but comparable to the very heavens themselves. This little parable taught me that the Lord forgets not a soul, and that we are all meant for heaven. In my work, I tried to portray a feeling of heaven, as well as one of love and sacrifice, in hopes that the viewer would feel a sense of peace that comes with knowing we are enough for the Lord.
7 of 10
Unsure

Unsure


Talavou Fitisemanu



My great-grandfather is known for his decision to deny the highest chief title, to become king of Samoa, in order to remain a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—a decision that left many unsure as to his intentions and understanding of this life. I know this choice to have changed the trajectory of my own life. This piece aims to capture the unsafe journey of mortality by finding clarity through Christ, with the patterns of the Pacific representing beauty in our battles for self-refinement. I desire to add to the legacy of making decisions that reflect knowledge of hope. As I have learned more about the life of Christ in Dr. Abbott’s New Testament class, I have been reminded that this gospel requires action. It is not enough to think, ponder, and pray—we must do. No one can walk on water for us. We must take our own steps with faith, trusting in the example and guidance of our Savior to guide us home.
8 of 10
When Saw We Thee

When Saw We Thee


Brock Hill



My religion classes at BYU have helped make Jesus Christ a more familiar and personal figure to me. I tried to accomplish the same in this piece, and I’m grateful for my professor who assigned me a project that initiated this work. In Matthew 25:34-40, I believe that Christ is trying to teach us that the way we treat others really matters. In life, we come across many people who are sick, hungry, and imprisoned, whether it is physically, emotionally or spiritually. The people in these verses ask “when saw we thee?” meaning they might not have recognized the importance of their good deeds. Everyone you encounter is most likely facing some of the toughest times in their life. This can often go unrecognized by us. But Christ is able to see the incredible potential in everyone, especially those whom we tend to overlook. My hope is that you can see how worthy of love you are and how worthy of love is every soul around you. As we seek to lift those who are burdened in any way, let us begin to see them as Christ sees them.
9 of 10
Condescension

Condescension


Noelle Rogers



Something that fascinates me about Christ is how He has experienced both being fully divine and fully human. I wanted to attempt to reflect that truth through this piece. I settled on a sketchbook style for His hands and head to depict the flesh and bone of Christ with the rest of Him being enveloped by the cosmos of creation to show His divine power to save. I hope that viewers of the piece will feel a similar awe that I do for Christ’s condescension, that He came and died for us and fully experienced what it’s like to be mortal, all while being a divine entity that aided in the creation of the Earth. I’m grateful for the assignment in my religion class that challenged me to deepen my understanding of Christ and led me to create this piece.
10 of 10
Ties to Heaven

Ties to Heaven


Ella Bowman



Inspired by my Foundations of the Restoration class, I painted this representation of how restored covenants are a sacred relationship and source of guidance. Our covenants are a direct line of direction from above and a lifeline for our spirit. When we are faithful, we are promised eternal blessings which tie us to heaven—we are “bound” through covenants into a relationship with our Heavenly Father. This painting is a representation of the pulling forces of faith and the adversary. The evils of this world try to pull us to diverse darkness and wrap us in traps, but if we hold to our covenants—our ties to heaven—we can break free from these snares (2 Nephi 9: 45). Although there is darkness all around the woman, she relies on the light from above and grips tight to the unbreakable rod to God. This piece has the personal meaning of when I have chosen to let my faith lead in my learning process rather than focusing on the distractions that weigh heavy on my mortal life. Focusing on the direct light from my covenants will always lead me to truth and forever tie me to my Family above.
1 of 10