26-02-2025
Local university to host Lent art gallery
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – A new art exhibit will explore themes of grief and sacrifice, through several pieces, for Lent.
The exhibit is at the University of Dayton's Marian Library and features 40 modern works of art showing the Christian religious figure Mary holding the crucified body of her son, Jesus.
The exhibit 'Pietà: A Mother's Lament' is free and open to the public. The exhibit is on the first floor of Roesch Library inside the Stuart and Mimi Rose Gallery. It will be open until May 9 (Feast of the Ascension).
Thematically aligned with the 40-day journey to Easter, the exhibit encourages personal reflection on grief. Curator Bridget Retzloff spoke on the art's impact.
'Unfortunately, many are familiar with the grief that Mary must have experienced. The emotion apparent in these depictions is a palpable reminder of her humanity. Amidst the sorrow in these scenes, some may find glimmers of hope,' said Retzloff. 'Hope that must have given Mary strength, too.'
The collection has both selections from the Marian Library's collection and John A. Kohan's Sacred Art Pilgrim Collection on loan. It highlights multiple cultural interpretations of the Pietà.
There will be guided meditation prompts throughout the gallery to help visitors engage and reflect on the art.
To learn more, visit UD's webpage on the gallery here.
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