DALLAS – Professional artists in Texas are invited to submit original artwork for the 18th annual Catholic Foundation Art On The Plaza competition.
The winning artist will receive $5,000 and their masterpiece will be on display for one year on a 28-foot x 9-foot wall at The Catholic Foundation Plaza located across the street from the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in the downtown Dallas Arts District. Honorable mention winners will receive $500.
The deadline to submit entries at The Catholic Foundation office, 12222 Merit Drive, Suite 850, in Dallas is Friday, Sept. 8. The submission guidelines can be found online at www.catholicfoundation.com/Support-Tools/Catholic-Foundation-Art-Competition.
Art entries do not require a religious theme but should embody the essence of hope. All entries should be respectful in tone as the winning entry appears on the north side of the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
No entry fees are required to participate. Submissions must measure 28 inches by 9 and 2/3 inches. The winning work will be digitally reproduced to mural-size dimensions and installed on the art wall before it is unveiled at a ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Photography and computer-generated art are not eligible.
“For nearly 20 years, we have enjoyed showcasing public artwork in the Dallas Arts District,” says Matt Kramer, president and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “Artists remind us each year of how artwork can be a spiritual experience for some, a joyful encounter for others and a beautiful image for many that reflects faith, hope and love.”
A panel of judges from the Dallas-area arts community will review all entries and select the piece to be installed on The Catholic Foundation Plaza art wall.
Art On The Plaza 2022 winner Robert Opel painted “Wings Of Joy” to symbolize the exuberance and joy of local performers, artists and musicians in the Dallas Arts District.
“Monarch butterflies are the acrobats of the sky,” said Opel. “Monarchs use wind in ways we don’t understand. It doesn’t make sense that they can fly, but they do. I encourage all Texas artists to consider participating in this year’s competition.”
About The Catholic Foundation Plaza
The Catholic Foundation Plaza is a unique 3,900-square-foot public space located north of the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, 2215 Ross Avenue in Dallas. The Plaza is located at the corner of Flora and Crockett Streets, directly across from the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. The Plaza is in a highly visible location for visitors to the Dallas Arts District. Dedicated in 2006, the Plaza was a gift from The Catholic Foundation to the Dallas community to commemorate the Foundation’s 50th anniversary.
About The Catholic Foundation
The Catholic Foundation is a trusted giving vehicle for the Catholic community. Chartered in 1955, the Foundation was founded by a group of dedicated Catholic laymen with a vision that extended far beyond the charitable needs of the moment. The Foundation has spent decades building a strong community, helping donors fulfill their charitable goals, and preserving the founders’ vision and philanthropic legacy. Over time, the Foundation has provided more than $266 million in grants to religious, charitable and educational organizations. In 2022, The Catholic Foundation gave $19.4 million through more than 2,500 grants impacting more than 800 organizations. The Foundation houses more than 540 charitable funds and trusts. For additional information about The Catholic Foundation, call 972- 661-9792 or visit www.catholicfoundation.com
