Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School is organizing a diocesan-wide art competition and exhibit titled, “Through Him, With Him, In Him: One in Christ.”

Students in sixth- through 12th-grade may submit their faith-inspired works of art by March 31.

“We hope that students everywhere in the diocese will respond to the invitation to submit their artwork and help set the bar high for this inaugural year,” said William O’Connor, Art Department Chair at JP the Great. “We know the talent is out there, and we want to provide a compelling forum for student-artists to showcase their talents, while also elevating the beauty of good art, as reflected in the richness of our Catholic Faith.”

All mediums are encouraged, including watercolor, acrylic and oil paint, pencil, pastel, charcoal, photography, sculpture, stained glass, ceramics, and more. Selected pieces will be exhibited during a monthlong celebration of the arts at JP the Great, beginning with the Opening Reception on April 30, and concluding May 31.

Submissions will be evaluated anonymously by members of the Foundation for Sacred Arts, a Catholic, non-profit organization that works toward a recovery of beauty in sacred art, sacred architecture and sacred music for the glory of God and the transformation of the culture.

“This new student contest and exhibition is a worthy event, providing young artists an opportunity to develop their artistic talent and imagination in the context of their Catholic faith,” said Ann Marra, executive director of the Foundation for the Sacred Arts.

The jurors will select the strongest artworks in terms of both subject and technique, and will award certificates to the winners in each of the two categories: Middle School Artists (grades 6 – 8) and Secondary School Artists (grades 9 - 12) for Best of Show, First Place and Runner Up. Winners will be notified April 16.

For more info

For entry specifications go to jpthegreat.org.

Contact William O’Connor at william.oconnor@jpthegreat.org or 703/445-0360.