Art & essay contests announced by archdiocese, Brother Martin High

The Archdiocese of New Orleans is inviting artists to contribute to the observance of the Year of the Eucharist and St. Joseph by giving artistic expression to the love poured out to us in Christ through the Eucharist.

“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,” wrote St. John Paul II in his Letter to Artists in 1999. In this spirit, the archdiocese invites local artists to “enrich” the Year of the Eucharist and 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 offers two categories: an Open Art Contest for ages 18 and older; and a Youth Art Contest for those in grades K-12. 

For the Open Art Contest, 10 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 home schools 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-by-12 inches 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 p.m. April 23, and must be submitted electronically for the first review at https://yoeartcontest.org/.

As a special way to inspire potential artists, the archdiocese invites all artists to a special “Evening of Adoration for Artists” on March 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 3368 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans. The evening will include adoration, benediction and a reflection on the importance and significance of art in expressing one’s faith. 

For more information on the art contest, visit https://yoeartcontest.org/. For more information on activities and events connected with the Year of the Eucharist and St. Joseph or to subscribe to receive regular messages and updates, visit http://nolacatholic.org/eucharist.

Brother Martin announces Easter essay contest

Brother Martin High School is inviting New Orleans-area boys and girls in fifth, sixth and seventh grades to participate in its inaugural “The Joy of the Resurrection” essay contest.

The goal is to have students in those grades showcase “their understanding of Easter,” said Megan Whalen, the high school’s community relations director.

Contest organizers offered the following guidance to prospective essay writers: Easter Sunday is a glorious day in the church calendar. Why is this moment so special? What does Easter mean to us every day, not just on this particular Sunday?

Entries, which should range between 200 and 400 words in length, should be double-spaced and in size 11 or 12 font. The student’s name, grade level and current school must be included on a separate but attached page.

Submissions can be submitted electronically or in print. They must be received by Brother Martin by March 30 at 3 p.m. No late entries will be accepted.

Submissions can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Thomas Mavor, Brother Martin High School, 4401 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122.

A first- and second-place winner will be chosen in each of the three grade categories. Recognition of winners and participants will take place during the week of April 19. Prizes for the essay contest will be announced at that time.

For more information, visit www.brothermartin.com or email Whalen at [email protected] or call her at (504) 284-6700.