Mesa, Arizona – A new exhibition showcasing the best in contemporary Catholic sacred art opened this weekend at The Sacred Art Gallery, marking a significant milestone for both the gallery and the national competition it hosts. The National Sacred Art Prize Exhibition, which runs through March 21, is the first to be presented as a live present after previously existing solely as a digital gallery. The event, which kicked off with Mass celebrated by Bishop John Dolan, aims to inspire a renewed appreciation for art that connects viewers to faith and higher ideals.
The Sacred Art Prize competition, founded by The Catholic Art Institute in 2020, seeks to “recognize excellence in Catholic sacred art” by celebrating works that demonstrate both technical skill and profound theological understanding, according to the organization’s website. This year’s exhibition features a selection of pieces from the winners, finalists, and honorable mentions of the 2025 competition, which drew 360 submissions from artists in 15 countries, including Austria, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, New Zealand, and the United States.
A First for the Digital Gallery
For Marcus Sobczyk, director of The Sacred Art Gallery, hosting the exhibition represents a pivotal moment. “Until now it has only ever been a digital art gallery,” Sobczyk said. “This is the first year that it will be a live show in a gallery, and we’re thrilled to be the location chosen.” The gallery, which embodies a mission to inspire meaningful art that evokes a sense of the divine, sees the exhibition as a natural extension of its core values.
The opening event on Saturday, February 21, began with Mass at Holy Spirit Parish in Tempe, Arizona, followed by a breakfast reception at the gallery. Presentations were given by Bishop Dolan and local artist Ruth Stricklin, along with her husband Goeff Stricklin, and remarks were shared by the competition’s jurors before the exhibit was officially opened to the public.
Bishop Dolan’s Vision and the Importance of Sacred Art
Bishop John Dolan’s involvement in the event was particularly meaningful, according to Sobczyk. “I’ve heard [the bishop’s] testimony regarding the importance of art in his life, and he was the perfect person to speak at this event,” Sobczyk explained. “As the shepherd for our diocese, having his approval and support means so much to us.”
Bishop Dolan brings a unique perspective to the intersection of faith and art, having earned a Master of Arts degree in Liturgy/Church Art and Architecture from St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, California. He too shares his insights through a diocesan video series called “Word and Art,” where he explores the connection between famous artworks and the Sunday Gospel readings. The “Word and Art” playlist is available on YouTube.
A Celebration of Faith Through Art
Sobczyk emphasized the deeper significance of the exhibition, stating, “At the heart of our mission has always been the desire of doing something beautiful for God, and it has been wonderful to observe Him at work and in the many people He has brought into our lives. The Sacred Art Prize is another one of these profound blessings.” He expressed his hope that the exhibition will inspire artists and viewers alike, adding, “This exhibition is a beautiful celebration of Christ, and my hope is that it will continue to inspire people of all ages to paint for Him.”
The National Sacred Art Prize Exhibition is open to the public through March 21 at The Sacred Art Gallery. Information regarding location and hours can be found on the gallery’s website. The Catholic Art Institute also provides details about the Sacred Art Prize competition and future events on their website.
Visitors can also view a photo gallery from the opening event on Facebook: National Sacred Art Prize Exhibition Facebook Photo Gallery.
The exhibition represents a significant step in the Catholic Art Institute’s mission to foster a vibrant community of sacred artists and to promote the creation of art that reflects the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith. The Institute is currently accepting submissions for the 2026 Sacred Art Prize, with a submission deadline expected in October 2026.
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