In the senior roll call section of the 1942 Box Elder High School yearbook, young Boyd K. Packer lists "drawing" as his weakness, then adds his ambition is "to be an artist."
Life has exacted much change in President Packer's life over the past six decades. Raised in a farming community in northern Utah, the acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve was still a teen when he donned his country's uniform as a World War II aviator in the Pacific Theater. He returned from battle to become a husband, father, educator and, eventually, a grandfather. Meanwhile, President Packer's duties as a mission president and General Authority demanded he play the globetrotter, traveling from one country to the next.
Yet President Packer never abandoned his childhood love of creating art. When time has allowed, he has picked up the paint brush or carving tool to capture wildlife or perhaps a gospel theme on canvas or wood. A new exhibit at the Museum of Church History and Art entitled "Boyd K. Packer: The Lifework of an Amateur Artist" celebrates 70 years of painting, drawing and wood carving by the Church leader. Dozens of President Packer's creations are on display in the exhibit, along with observations on the artwork from the artist and others.
The exhibit — which runs through Sept. 6, 2004 — emphasizes how art has enriched President Packer's life, deepening his love of nature while offering respite from his Church and professional responsibilities.
"I have, over the years, enjoyed what measure of talent and ability that has come to me as a blessing," President Packer said. "From my childhood, I had an interest in nature, particularly in bird and animals, and in drawings and painting."
The Museum of Church History and Art is located west of Temple Square in Salt Lake City on 45 N. West Temple Street. The museum is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free.
