Christ-themed exhibits at BYU popular during Christmas season
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PROVO, UTAH
Crowds at Brigham Young University's Museum of Art typically follow a predictable pattern: attendance is light during the day while students are in class and patrons are at work — then things pick up at night.
Not now. Over the past week, high-volumes of visitors to the museum located on the Provo, Utah, campus have been steady throughout the day and evening. Museum workers point to two reasons for the constant crowds. First, of course, it's the holiday season. Students of all ages are on Christmas break and older folks are enjoying some time away from work. But perhaps the biggest reason for the spike in holiday season visits is what's found inside the museum. Two major Christ-themed exhibits — artists Carl Bloch's "The Master's Hand" and James Tissot's "The Life of Christ" — are enriching the Christmas season for thousands eager to celebrate the Savior's life and eternal mission.
"Yesterday, the Bloch show was completely sold out," said museum spokesman Christopher Wilson a few days before Christmas.
While the museum was active in promoting both exhibits prior to their respective openings, Brother Wilson said the recent crowds may be explained by word of mouth advertising. Folks are visiting the exhibits, are moved by what they experience and are sharing those thoughts on their personal blogs, Facebook pages and at Church meetings.
Both "The Master's Hand" and "The Life of Christ" are strengthening testimonies and helping people better understanding the meaning of the Christmas season. The Bloch exhibit celebrates the work of the 19th-century Danish artist whose beloved depictions of Christ are often used by the Church to adorn the walls of meetinghouses, temples and other Church buildings.
The exhibit is anchored by five large alter paintings, including the familiar, museum-owned piece "Christ Healing the Sick at Bethesda." The other four alter paintings are on loan from churches in Denmark and Sweden and are on display together for the first time.
"The Life of Christ," meanwhile, celebrates the detailed work of 19th-century French artist James Tissot, who created dozens of paintings from the Savior's life.
Both exhibits stand on their own as an artist's devotion and love for his Creator.
"I have not talked to a single person who has gone into the Bloch exhibition, for example, and hasn't felt the Spirit," said Brother Wilson. "It's really something different — it has its own spirit that is really sweet and reverent."
Admission is free for both exhibits, although visitors to the Carl Bloch display must have reserved tickets. Tickets can be ordered online at carlbloch.byu.edu. Brother Wilson said the entire visitors parking lot located north of the museum has been opened to accommodate Bloch visitors. "The Master's Hand" will be on display through May 7, 2011.
The Tissot exhibit is enjoying its final days at BYU. "The Life of Christ" will come to a close on Jan. 8, 2011.
The BYU Museum of Art is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed Sundays and on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The museum will close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
