Call for Submissions
On behalf of Saint Vincent College and Saint Vincent Archabbey, the Center is pleased to announce plans for the 8th Catholic Arts Biennial. Established in 2001 by the late Nathan Cochran, O.S.B., this international biennial juried exhibition features contemporary artists whose work explores Christian themes. Artists must submit their work digitally, through CaFÉ™ no later than Friday, June 25, 2021. The Biennial will be on view September 6 - October 29, 2021 with an opening reception on Sunday, September 12. Mr. David Brinker, Director of the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA) at Saint Louis University will serve as the Biennial's juror.
As with previous Biennials sponsored by Saint Vincent, artwork is sought that fosters prayer and contemplation and therefore should be appropriate for use in public liturgy, churches, chapels, shrines, and/or in private domestic settings.
The 2021 Biennial encourages submissions that expand representations of Christ, the Virgin Mary, biblical narratives, and the lives of the saints beyond Euro-centric presentations. Artwork made by women and persons of color is strongly encouraged. In addition to depictions of traditional Christian subjects, artists are urged to submit works that address social concerns from perspectives of faith pertinent to the contemporary moment.
Artwork may engage in contemporary methods of making, quote from historical styles/time periods, and/or employ multidisciplinary approaches as part of the artists’ studio practice.
Monetary prizes will be awarded for the Best of Show, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, as well as 4 honorary mentions.
This juried exhibition is open to any artist, of any religious affiliation, who is age 18 or older. All entries must be original works created by the submitting artist and executed within the past five years. Works submitted to this exhibition considered for previous biennials hosted at Saint Vincent are ineligible. Submissions of original works of art are now being accepted through CaFÉ™ (www.callforentry.org). The deadline to submit is June 25, 2021 at 11:59pm MST. All submissions must be made virtually, through CaFÉ™. Mailed submissions will not be considered. Artists can download the complete exhibition prospectus and guidelines here.
To learn more, contact [email protected].
As with previous Biennials sponsored by Saint Vincent, artwork is sought that fosters prayer and contemplation and therefore should be appropriate for use in public liturgy, churches, chapels, shrines, and/or in private domestic settings.
The 2021 Biennial encourages submissions that expand representations of Christ, the Virgin Mary, biblical narratives, and the lives of the saints beyond Euro-centric presentations. Artwork made by women and persons of color is strongly encouraged. In addition to depictions of traditional Christian subjects, artists are urged to submit works that address social concerns from perspectives of faith pertinent to the contemporary moment.
Artwork may engage in contemporary methods of making, quote from historical styles/time periods, and/or employ multidisciplinary approaches as part of the artists’ studio practice.
Monetary prizes will be awarded for the Best of Show, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, as well as 4 honorary mentions.
This juried exhibition is open to any artist, of any religious affiliation, who is age 18 or older. All entries must be original works created by the submitting artist and executed within the past five years. Works submitted to this exhibition considered for previous biennials hosted at Saint Vincent are ineligible. Submissions of original works of art are now being accepted through CaFÉ™ (www.callforentry.org). The deadline to submit is June 25, 2021 at 11:59pm MST. All submissions must be made virtually, through CaFÉ™. Mailed submissions will not be considered. Artists can download the complete exhibition prospectus and guidelines here.
To learn more, contact [email protected].
“… artists of every discipline, are called to make beauty shine especially, where darkness or drabness dominate everyday life. They are custodians of beauty, heralds and witnesses of hope for humanity, as my predecessors have repeatedly stated. I invite you, therefore, to care for beauty, and beauty will in turn heal many wounds that mark the hearts and souls of men and women today.”
– Pope Francis, 21st Joint Session of Pontifical Academies, 2016
– Pope Francis, 21st Joint Session of Pontifical Academies, 2016
Image Left: Janet McKenzie, The Holy Family © 2007, oil on canvas, Collection of Loyola Chapel, Loyola School, New York City, New York
Image Above: Suzanne and Dave Miriello / New Guild Studio, Christ Our Teacher, 2018, oil and gold leaf on panel, Saint Vincent Art & Heritage Collections, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Image Above: Suzanne and Dave Miriello / New Guild Studio, Christ Our Teacher, 2018, oil and gold leaf on panel, Saint Vincent Art & Heritage Collections, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
