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Art in the Library

BYU Library Art Competition: Out of the Best Books

byu lib art contest poster 2025

The BYU Library’s central stairwell prominently displays the scripture:

And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:118

To help celebrate BYU’s Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary), the BYU Library’s Art in the Library Program is inviting art submissions from BYU students and alumni that portray and celebrate gifts of light, wisdom, and learning that have come “out of the best books,” or how this light, wisdom, and learning out of the best books have helped you or someone you admire become a beacon of light.

Competition Information

This is a visual art contest (see Submission Categories section below for media options). The submission deadline is February 28, 2026. The Finalists and Winners will be exhibited in the library and will receive cash prizes.

Eligibility

This competition is open to entries from currently enrolled students and alumni of Brigham Young University. Each individual is limited to one entry. Entries must have been created in the last 12 months. All works MUST be original in concept and execution.

  • Submissions may include but are not limited to:

    • Painting (any medium),
    • Drawing,
    • Print,
    • Etching,
    • Illustration,
    • Digital print,
    • Photography,
    • Collage,
    • Sculpture,
    • Glass work,
    • Wood,
    • Metal,
    • Fiber,
    • Textiles,
    • Mixed media.

    Artwork CANNOT exceed 3 feet in its largest dimension or weigh more than 100 pounds.

    The following will NOT be considered due to display constraints:

    • Video/Film
    • Installations
    • AI-generated or assisted artwork
    • Works that may be considered offensive or constitute a public safety, health or environmental hazard.

  • Each of the following prizes will be awarded in both the current student and alumni categories:

    • First place: $3,000
    • Second place: $2,000
    • Third place: $1,000
    • Honorable mention: $500

    Contest finalists’ and winners’ artwork will be displayed in the Library Auditorium and Atrium Galleries from March 23, 2026 – August 31, 2026. First place winners will be added to the BYU Library’s permanent collection for display.

  • A submission to the competition will consist of three parts:

    1. Fill out the competition submission form (below).
    2. In the submission form, submit up to three high-resolution (300 ppi) images of the artwork. Image files must be in JPG or PNG format.
    3. In the submission form, submit an artist statement about the artwork and how it exemplifies the competition theme, keeping the statement between 25 and 200 words.

    Competition Timeline

    • Deadline for Submissions: February 28, 2026
    • Artists will be notified if they have been accepted into the show and/or are contest winners via email by: March 9, 2026
    • Artwork Delivered for Exhibition: March 20, 2026
    • Exhibition in the BYU Library: March 23 – August 31, 2026

  • A panel of jurors will consider entries and make award and exhibition decisions in consultation with the BYU University Librarian. Jurors will include members of the BYU Library, the BYU Department of Art, and the BYU Department of Design.

    Entries will be judged on relevance to the prompt, creativity, technical skill, and overall impact.

  • The submission of entries presupposes the right to photograph the works for catalogs, publicity, educational, and promotion purposes in perpetuity. By applying, you agree to these terms.

    If selected as a finalist, all work must be ready for display. 2D works are required to be framed with D-rings (see below).

    Finalists will be responsible for supplying their works to the BYU Library in time for the exhibition, either by dropping off their work in person, by mail, or other appropriate means as coordinated with the competition organizers.

    Return of entries for finalists not selected for awards will be the responsibility of the submitter.

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Submission Form

Questions? Contact:
cassandra_belliston@byu.edu