Up and Coming LDS artist

Many LDS artists try to follow in Arnold Friberg's footsteps and make a significant impact on society.

One LDS artist that is breaking free from the crowd of average is J. Kirk Richards of Provo, Utah. Most of the 15 paintings he's created are large, and all of the subjects spiritual, even if they are not overtly religious.

Among them are a portrait of Christ; five paintings with Christ figures; a rendering of the four musical Shill sisters of Pleasant Grove; a gold-leafed "Song of the Heart" which reflects his feelings about music as prayer; and "Hosannah Shout," where closer inspection of the girl's dress reveals scenes of the First Vision and pioneers with handcarts and covered wagons.

Museum director Vern Swanson said his LDS art is powerful because he is so good and he has so much to say.

He expects Richards to hit his stride in a couple of years, although "he's ahead of the curve."

Swanson said it is a rare thing to succeed as an LDS artist with expressive rather than illustrative art.
He is currently working on a painting called the "Petition of the Blind," a tall, wide biblical scene which he plans to enter in the next LDS Church art competition.