Trinity United Methodist Church is seeking local artists to interpret the Protestant Stations of the Cross (more information below) and display this work at the church during Lent, February 13-April 1. Trinity hopes to find one or multiple visual artists who can create pieces inspired by each of the eight stations of the cross, which proffer themes relevant to contemporary and local life.

The work will be on display in the sanctuary and parlor throughout the Lenten season and featured prominently during a public event in March that may include musical interpretations of the stations as well as a silent auction to sell the artwork, with the proceeds benefiting the participating artist(s). We ask that artists commit to working on at least one of the eight stations, and deliver the work to the church to install by Monday, February 12 (or make other arrangements).

We are open to all mediums including 3-dimensional work (sculptures, dioramas), 2-dimensional work (paintings, photographs), and installations.

We hope this will be an opportunity to showcase local artists and offer an opportunity for them to sell their artwork.

Any questions should be directed to Ruth Smith at [email protected]. We would like to confirm artists by January 19.

Eight Protestant Stations of the Cross and Weekly Themes

Station 1: The Last Supper
Jesus and his disciples gathered around the table, Luke 22:14-20 and Luke 14:12-24, Theme: Jesus opens his table to everyone (the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame). Artwork should capture the theme of open, inclusive, grace-filled table fellowship. 

Station 2: The Garden of Gethsemane
Jesus challenges the disciples to stay away and pray so they can overcome the trial they are about to undergo, Matthew 26:47-56 and John 8:1-11, Theme: Prayer helps us confront the evil of this world and the temptations with which we struggle. . Artwork should capture this theme that prayer equips us to confront the evil of this world, e.g. a host of "ism's" such as racism, sexism, nationalism, etc.

Station 3: The arrest of Jesus
When the soldiers arrive for Jesus, one of his disciples draws a sword and cuts of a slave's ear. Jesus rebukes his act of violence, Matthew 26:47-56 and John 8:1-11, Theme: Violence only begets more violence; the gospel proclaims restorative justice, not retributive justice. Artwork should capture the theme of peace and compassion overcoming violence and judgment.

Station 4: Jesus before Pilate 

Pilate questions Jesus and challenges him with the charges of treason and insurrection, Luke 23:1-5 and Luke 20:20-26, Theme: What do we do when religion and politics collide and how can the church avoid succumbing to cultural pressures. This week's artwork may be the most challenging as it will need to capture this tension between the values of our culture versus the values of the Kingdom of God which ultimately lead to Jesus standing before Pilate to be condemned to death.

Station 5: The Scourging and the Crowning with Thorns

Jesus is beaten and mocked when they twist thorns into the shape of a crown and press it onto his head, Mark 15:15-20 and Mark 8:31-38, Theme: To follow Jesus means we aren't motivated by power and fearful self-preservation; we are willing to surrender our rights for the good of others. Artwork should capture this theme of voluntary suffering for the redemption of others. We won't have to die on a cross, but - like Jesus - we will need to offer up or lay down some part of ourselves for the well-being of others.

Station 6: Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus 

The soldiers force some guy walking down the road to carry Jesus' cross piece to Golgotha for him, Mark 15:21 and Mark 14:3-9, Theme: In life, compassion and sorrow often go hand in hand; happily ever after is just for fairy tales. Artwork will need to capture the theme that compassion and our efforts to alleviate the suffering of others is tough, painful and never-ending work... but also redemptive and meaningful work that joins us to Christ.

Station 7: The Death of Jesus
Mark 15:33-39. A more traditional or contemporized image of the passion/crucifixion of Christ is appropriate.

Station 8: The Resurrection
Matthew 28:1-7. A more traditional or contemporized image of the resurrection is appropriate.