Over the years many people have often wondered what kind of organization is the Inspirational Art Association? According to Cindy Latimore the organization's Director and Curator, the IAA which it is often referred, shares that its purpose is as stated in their mission statement: Our mission is to foster the creation and promotion of inspirational art, to showcase wholesome content, and to extend its influence to individuals, homes, and communities throughout the world. Over the years the IAA not only has brought inspiring artists together from around the world but also has extended its presence in the world of music. All art mediums and music are considered inspirational. Since 2010 when the IAA was first organized, it has grown to be a worldwide organization. The yearly summer photoshoots and the Christmas Season Art Showcase embodies exactly what the organization has held true to since the IAA’s beginning. In my capacity as the Director, I assist in promoting, networking, educating, and keeping this magnificent organization in the limelight to help not only the artists themselves but to share their stories. Not only is the artwork or song inspiring but the artist had to have inspiration prior to painting or producing their masterpieces that people hunger to know about.
As part of being a member of the IAA there are opportunities available to them that are not normally available on their own or through another organization. The yearly photoshoot that is held on the third Saturday of July is often held in a location that compliments the theme along with hired actors/models. This year’s theme is “Women in the Scriptures” and the location will be at a ranch with a river flowing through it.
Not only do the artists themselves have the opportunity to plan and photograph for upcoming commissions but also to network with fellow artists and there is often time for education regarding the event to be shared with all those who attend. The annual IAA Christmas Season Art Showcase is the organization's premier event. This art show has become a much-anticipated event with not only the artist from around the world exhibiting but musicians performing and sharing their stories as well. This event is always held the Wednesday after Thanksgiving at The Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City and continues daily Thursday through Saturday evening. The event begins Wednesday evening with an awards dinner along with a keynote speaker.
Last year at the 2021 show, The Piano Guys along with Elder Timothy J. Dyches, who received the IAA’s Inspirational Artist’s of the Year and Patron of the Arts Awards, shared their inspiration through their own words during the dinner. After the dinner on the mezzanine the VIP Private Artist Reception is held, the remaining three days of the show are open to the public where they can come see “Original” pieces of art and meet the artists themselves. Also, at this event galleries, publishers and the different departments of the Church come to look at the art and meet the artists for upcoming projects. This coming year the Art Showcase is scheduled for November 30th-December 3rd and is already proving to be a spectacular event. Those who are interested in participating in the upcoming photoshoot or would like more information about the 12th Annual IAA Christmas Season Art Showcase can contact Cindy Latimore at inspirationalartassociation@gmail.com
