Trinity’s Stations of the Cross Exhibit Returns At Trinity

Asbury Park

Trinity’s Stations of the Cross Exhibit Returns At Trinity

Artists From Across The State Showcased Through April 6

By Michelle Gladden

Trinity Episcopal Church celebrates the Lenten season with the return of Stations of the Cross, a visual arts exhibit that will run through April 16.

This year, artists from across the state were invited to create interpretive pieces that represent the fourteen Stations of the Cross, a reflection of the humiliating and unimaginably painful journey, said Pastor Michael Way, who launched the holiday exhibit in 2017.

“The idea for the exhibit had been floating around in my head for quite some time,” said Way, who began his professional career working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He said this year, the team, which includes Christina Sanes and Buren Gilpen, worked to find local artists who not only represented diverse backgrounds but also mediums.

“The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross, refers to the 14 stations used in Christian churches during Lent,” Way said. “The Stations depict the journey of Jesus beginning with Pilate sentencing him to death for being proclaimed King of the Jews. The Stations continue through his walk to Calvary where he is crucified and buried.”

The exhibit showcases 18 original works of art, ranging from the renowned pastel work of Jason Chang [Station II] and the primitive interpretations in oil by Carmine Palermo, one of the first NYC graffiti artists [Station III], to the intricate woodwork of Buren Gilpen [Station V] and the detailed drawing of a Black Jesus by lifelong Asbury Park resident Charles Trott [Station VII].

Each stations as interpreted by the artists, from the celebrated and renowned to the novice and craft creatives, portray a distinct moment in the journey of Christ to his crucifixion and death.

“I’m thrilled that the more abstract, less traditional art has been really well received by our [500 member] congregation because what it suggests to me is that is is really enriching their experience,” Way said. “They are looking at Christ’s journey from a different perspective, and they are feeling and seeing different things. We also intentionally wanted this to be an experience of art that’s open to believers and non believers alike so it be appreciated in different ways.”

Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 503 Asbury Avenue. The exhibit will remain on display through April 6. The show can be viewed from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, by appointment and during normal hours. For more information, click here or visit their Facebook page.