DETROIT — The Fr. Gabriel Richard Guild is hoping hundreds of students in southeast Michigan break out their pastels and paint brushes once again this semester for the second annual Fr. Gabriel Richard Art Contest.
More than 200 young artists from around the Archdiocese of Detroit participated in last year’s inaugural competition, which resulted in three students taking the top prize in their respective grade divisions. Gail Moreau-DesHarnais, the secretary of the guild, is thinking just as many, if not more, will enter an art piece for the 2024 contest.
“I am sure that news has spread,” she said.
Like last year, the students who submit the best art piece in the high school, middle school and elementary school levels will win $1,000 for themselves and $1,000 for their school, courtesy of contest sponsor Concorde Financial. Unlike last year, the guild is asking the area’s aspiring artists to consider depicting a specific event from Fr. Richard’s storied life.
This slight modification should help future generations see Fr. Richard as a man of action and dynamic faith, not just a static figure depicted in portraits, said Joe Serwach, vice president of the guild, who noted this type of “artwork is especially important for telling his story because it helps people feel they can see him and his work and know him better."
"In the case of Blessed Solanus Casey, there are numerous photos and films of him. But art is how you bring to life the beauty of this great holy man's life,” Serwach said.
Moreau-DesHarnais agrees.
“It is important to have something ‘visual’ to interpret the various events in the life of Fr. Richard," she said. "Even if someone did not speak English, a good picture would convey an aspect of Fr. Richard's life.”
Artists can choose to paint a detailed scene of Fr. Richard fleeing France during the French Revolution or perhaps utilize crayons to depict Detroit’s beloved priest administering the sacraments during its devastating 1832 cholera epidemic.
“I would especially like to see depictions of Fr. Richard's interactions with the numerous communities he served, including French immigrants, Native Americans, and other people of color,” Serwach said. “I'd also be interested in seeing depictions of his great work for education. All forms of education in Michigan, from public schools to the University of Michigan to programs for the deaf to the seminary all are descendants of the first educational seeds he planted here more than 200 years ago.”
Submitted artwork must be two-dimensional and able to be displayed on an easel. The deadline for submissions is April 8. Winners will be announced by May 17, and select art pieces will be displayed Sept. 15 at the annual exhibit on Fr. Gabriel Richard at the Basilica of Ste. Anne in Detroit. Winning students, those who earn honorable mention, and their respective parents and guardians will be personally invited to this exhibit’s reception.
In helping organize this contest, Serwach hopes to not just continue to raise awareness of Fr. Richard’s saintly life, but also help the faithful see him as an intercessory friend.
“Our primary goal is for as many people as possible to know Fr. Gabriel Richard because he has always had a unique ministry serving the people of Michigan, and the more people who pray to him for intercession, the more he will be able to serve,” Serwach said.
Those interested can learn more about this year’s Fr. Gabriel Richard Art Contest and the submission process, or learn more about the Fr. Gabriel Richard Guild and consider joining.
Joe Boggs is president of the Fr. Gabriel Richard Guild and writes this article for Detroit Catholic. To join the Guild’s mission in preserving Fr. Richard’s legacy and promoting his virtuous life, visit this webpage.
Copy Permalink
