Art Takes Centre Stage at Easter Celebration in Alberta

On Saturday, April 12, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Airdrie, Alberta, invited the community to join them in “Jesus Christ: A Celebration Through Art.” The event commemorated the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through art and music. Over 400 people came to the art show throughout the day, and nearly 300 were present for a concert in the evening at the Reunion Gateway Chapel.

According to event organizer and stake Relief Society President Danelle Richards, “The purpose of the event is to feel the spirit of our Saviour, Jesus Christ … and allow others to express their love of the Saviour through their artistic talents.”

Expressions of Faith in Jesus Christ

The art show featured life-sized prints of famous art representing the events of Holy Week. Walking through the exhibit — with its subdued lighting and worshipful music — allowed attendees to feel almost like they were experiencing Holy Week for themselves. One young child said, “I really loved the feeling I had there. … [It was] a peaceful feeling that I don’t really understand.”

Also on display were over 100 art submissions from local church members and other Christian friends who had been invited to create art to express their faith in Jesus Christ. The submissions ranged from children’s art to semi-professional work and included paintings, sculptures, wood carvings, sketches and even Bibles with their covers painted. One special entry was a testimony quilt, with each square telling the story of a life event that strengthened the quilt maker’s faith. Another highlight was a nearly life-sized, three-dimensional representation of Christ’s tomb.

A children’s room displayed paintings of Jesus Christ by local children and had interactive experiences for the young people visiting the room. They were invited to write their feelings about Jesus Christ on a leaf to be hung on a “Resurrection tree.” Messages conveyed simple but powerful faith: “He has risen for me,” “He loves us no matter what” and “I am never alone because of Jesus.” Children also had the opportunity to make paper palm fronds and to reenact the Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem, when he was hailed by followers waving palm fronds just a few days before his crucifixion.

The evening concert featured a range of performers — soloists, children’s choirs, vocalists and instrumentalists, including the bagpipes — performing music from Handel’s Messiah to traditional hymns and modern music, all celebrating Jesus Christ.

Christ-Focused Easter

The event comes at a time when leaders of the Church are encouraging members to make their scripture study, family traditions and celebrations of Easter more Christ-focused. In a letter to church members ahead of Easter in 2024, the First Presidency of the Church wrote: “As we approach Easter Sunday, we gratefully celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the spirit of this sacred season, we invite everyone to reflect on the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ — including His anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, His suffering on the cross, and His glorious Resurrection. We desire that all people everywhere feel more of His love and earnestly follow His example of humility, obedience and compassion.”

To learn more about Jesus Christ and the events surrounding Easter, visit www.churchofjesuschrist.org.

Read the story in French