What is The Way of Sorrows?

A free, downtown art walk, The Way of Sorrows is a multi-disciplinary artistic inquiry into the nature of human suffering based on the Stations of the Cross, a Christian devotional tradition dating to the 5th century. While the practice has changed over time, it has always involved traveling along with Christ to death. Each station marks a pivotal moment in the story of Jesus’ condemnation and crucifixion; together, they tell a story of human suffering, pain, injustice, and betrayal, punctuated with moments of mercy, forgiveness, and love.
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Organized by a group of private citizens from Lexington’s art and religious communities, The Way of Sorrows has a threefold purpose: to provide local artists with an opportunity to explore the crucifixion’s many universal themes and relevance to 21st-century life via traditional and non-traditional art forms; to offer the general public, including folks of any or no faith, an invitation to experience connection to and reflection on what is sacred about the human experience of suffering; to provide individuals aligned with the Christian faith an opportunity to practice a centuries-old tradition. 

Artists in The Way of Sorrows

Bianca Spriggs
Diane Kahlo
Natalie Baxter
Lucy Becker
Shawn Gannon
Eric Scott Sutherland
Whit Whitaker
Donald Mason
Steve Pavey & Geoff Maddock
Kurt Gohde & Kremena Todorova
Alexis Meza
Lori-Lyn Hurley
Andrew Perkins
Becky Alley & Candace Chaney
Gretchen Lee Collins

audio tour narrated by Savannah Sipple
image: photo by Steve Pavey, from Becoming Human

How do I walk The Way of Sorrows?

Get the Audio Tour*

Download or stream the audio tour to your smartphone or tablet right here!
OR
Check out an mp3 player (pre-loaded with the audio tour) at the downtown branch of the Lexington Public Library at the 2nd Floor accounts desk.

*The audio tour is REQUIRED for the full experience since music and poetry are the featured work at some locations.

Use Map and Mandalas to Find Your Way

This map details 14 station locations and the walking route.

Look for sidewalk chalk mandalas by Gretchen Lee Collins to know you are in the right spot.

Stop at Each Station

When you arrive at each station, play the corresponding audio track.

You will hear a scripture reading for that station. Next, you may hear a poetry/spoken word or music. Not all stations feature poetry/music. All DO have scripture readings.

Take your time reflecting/engaging the work before you move on. Feel free to listen to each station’s audio component multiple times.

Return to the Library

The final two stations take place in the library.

If you checked out an mp3 player, please return it.

 
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