Staff report

Christ Cathedral in downtown Salina will unveil its second annual pre-Easter art exhibit in early March, featuring 14 regional artists. Entitled “Miracles of Christ,” the show features artists from towns and cities across Kansas, like Pratt, Manhattan, and many others, with a strong representation from Salina artists as well. The pieces are as diverse as the artists, ranging from two-dimensional painting to sculpture.

Amy Clarkson, Pratt, is a digital collage artist who draws on her experiences as a retired Hospice doctor as well as personal struggles with depression to express her faith and recovery. As a digital artist, she likes to create art that sheds light on social issues and connects others to their inner feelings and need for Christ. She is a regular speaker, exhibitor, and class leader at the Vernon Filley Art Museum in Pratt.

The Lenten-season “Miracles” exhibit broadens the artists, mediums and faith backgrounds that have influenced the works, building on the Cathedral’s 2024 “Artists’ Way of the Cross” pre-Easter show.

“Each artist has used their creative lens to interpret seminal stories of Christ’s life and the miracles He performed,” says Mo. Shay Craig, dean of Christ Cathedral. “We are excited and honored to continue the tradition of offering original art created especially for our faith-filled space.”

The Opening Reception for the “Miracles” exhibit is set for Friday, March 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Hours to view “Miracles” on weekdays is by appointment by calling 785-827-4440. Admission is free.

Highlights of the March 7 to April 18 “Miracles” exhibit include five consecutive Coffee Hours scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Sundays in the Cathedral parish hall, following the 10 a.m. service. Each Coffee Hour talk will feature a different artist, each sharing how they created their own “Miracles” work.

Exhibit co-chair Marcy Roth says exploring the “Miracles” exhibit and reading the artist statements can give viewers new insight into Christ’s miracles in the pre-Easter season. “All the artists approached their pieces through their own faith beliefs,” she says.

Co-chair Steve Hoffman says, “Many of the artists have spoken about how personal their works are, and that the pieces became extensions of some very personal place inside them. Some weren’t sure they had enough skill to show emotionally-charged work in public, especially in a church where there already may be an expectation that any art there is going to be important or meaningful. I think viewers will approach the art differently.”

Roth adds, “Several artists said they started with one idea in mind, then through prayer, contemplation and artistic process, they ended up in another place, unexpectedly.”

Each artist donated their time and effort to create their exhibit piece without any compensation. Mo. Shay Craig says, “Using our faith-filled space to make the arts available is our gift to the community and our contribution to Salina’s thriving arts tradition.”

In addition to the Friday, March 7 “Miracles” exhibit Opening Reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m., upcoming Cathedral events in the Lenten season include a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, March 4 at 6 p.m. and Ash Wednesday services in the Cathedral at 12 noon and 6 p. m., open to the public.