Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Palatine, IL, USA recently had an addition built on to their church. We are looking for an icon of the Mother of God which will be placed on an exterior surface of the church which will measure approximately 7 ft. X 5 ft. Note that the icon will be on a surface with a southern exposure where the sun shines daily for a significant period of time.
We are holding a contest for those artists who would like to present a small representation of an icon which will be an exemplar from which the final icon will be made. Artists can use any medium they believe would be most suitable. The icon submitted for this contest needs to be made in the materials proposed for the final icon.
We are sending along pictures of the present church and icons which would serve as an example of what we are looking for. The most important elements are that the icon of the Mother of God with our Lord must draw people to it for the purpose of prayer. The love between the Mother of God and our Lord must be very evident.
Having stated our desires please note that some elements from the first apparition of the Mother of God – Queen of Peace in Medjugorje are to be included, namely the following from a description given by the seers who saw her when she first appeared in Medjugorje.
4. About how old do you think she is?
From 18 to 20 years old.
11. What colour is her face?
Normal – rather light – rosy cheeks.
13. What kind of lips does Our Lady have – rather thick or thin?
Normal – beautiful – they are more thin.
14. What colour are they?
Reddish – natural colour.
16. Is there some pleasant smile ordinarily noticeable on her countenance?
Maybe – more like some indescribable gentleness – there’s a smile visible as if somehow under her skin. (Vicka)
17. What is the colour of Our Lady’s eyes?
Her eyes are wonderful! Clearly blue. (all)
25. What colour is her dress?
Her dress is grey – maybe a little bluish-grey. (Mirjana)
34. Is there anything else on Our Lady besides this dress described?
She has a veil on her head.
35. What colour is that veil?
The veil is a white colour.
36. Pure white or . . .?
Pure white.
44. For example, on her head or around the head?
Yes – she has a crown of stars on her head.
47. How many stars are there?
There are twelve of them.
48. What colour are they?
Golden – gold colour.
50. Is a little bit of Our Lady’s hair visible?
A little bit of her hair is visible.
52. What colour is it?
Its black.
63. Finally, is Our Lady really beautiful, as you have said?
Well, really we haven’t told you anything about that – her beauty cannot be described – it is not our kind of beauty – that is something ethereal – something heavenly – something that we’ll only see in Paradise – and then only to a certain degree.
The winner of this contest will be awarded a prize in the amount of $1,000.00 American dollars and will have the honor of having an icon which will be in a prominent place on an exterior wall of the church. Pictures of the placement of the icon are attached. (It is the area between the two protruding areas on the east and west ends of our church.) Please note that our parish is also a Shrine of the New Martyrs of Ukraine of the XX century.
The attached icon depicts the closeness and love between the Mother of God and our Lord, Jesus. The second icon indicates the composition of the icon we desire. Note that the icon, apart from the usual designations for our Lord and Theotokos, also will have the following wording: “Цариця Миру” on one side and “Queen of Peace” on the other side.
Please submit your proposed icons in color by December 31, 2021.
Also please indicate an estimated cost of the final project in the medium you propose.
