Art of the Cross began three years ago when Rev. Graham and Celine Singh arrived to plant the downtown campus of Lakeside Church in the Norfolk Street building that once housed Norfolk United Church.
The three-hour event provides a live artistic experience.
“The Art of the Cross is an experience that will take you through the story of Jesus’ death on the cross,” said Justin Systma, Lakeside Downtown’s Campus Pastor.
The first station focuses on the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was arrested, with 14 installments that lead up to the final laying of Jesus' body in a tomb.
“There will be numerous artists from other churches and out of town. Most of the art being created is in the process during the event itself,” he said.
Attendees can walk from station to station and watch artists create art that represents their assigned part of the Easter story.
There are many different mediums being used to create the art that will be on display; visual art, embroidery, written prose, and even a musical interpretation by Justin Sytsma himself, a former band member of heavy rock band Race Well Run.
Artists participating in the event include Sylvia Woods, a Guelph-based Renaissance-inspired painter; Symeon van Donkelaar, Kitchener-based artist praised for his work with local topography; and artist Phil Irish, who has had his art displayed at galleries including the National Gallery of Canada.
Last year more than 600 participants attended the Art of the Cross event.
“It’s a new way of expressing this deep tradition,” said Sytsma, who said he believes the event honours the local arts community.
He also noted that experiencing and expressing art is a different way to understand the Easter story.
“This is an event we want to share with anyone and everyone,” said Sytsma. "It’s a personal reflection done in community."
The Cork Street Chorus, a community-based choir will also be performing throughout the event.
Art of the Cross is on Friday, March 25, 2016 from 2-5 p.m. at Lakeside Downtown, located at 75 Norfolk Street (at Cork Street).
The event is free and open to the public.
