At Christ UMC, we recognize art as one of the many ways we celebrate our faith and all of creation!

​During the Middle Ages, the symbols and art created by prominent artists served as the Bible for the illiterate. These works were not meant to be worshipped, but to be an aid to prayer. 

One of our larger art installations is a replica of Michelangelo's Pieta. Michelangelo understood that images can often be more powerful than words.

We value all art within our building for its artistic and historic significance, and we invite the community to share its spiritual and prayerful impact. Please accept our invitation to view any artwork in our facilities during our regular office hours (Tuesdays-Fridays 9:00am-3:00pm) and on Sunday mornings (8:00am-11:30am). If you wish to schedule a docent presentation of the Pieta, please contact the church office to schedule at least a week in advance.

Michelangelo's Pieta

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564)

Michelangelo was a sculptor, painter, poet and architect. His works are on display throughout the world.  He is probably best known for his mural on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.  Michelangelo was reserved and introspective, denying himself worldly pleasures, stating in order to reproduce even a partial likeness of Our Lord is not enough to be a great painter; one must also lead an exemplary life and be as saintly as possible, so that the understanding may be directed by the Holy Ghost.

The Pieta

At the age of 23, Michelangelo himself went to the quarries at Carrara, Italy to find pure veins of the best marble for the Pieta.  He completed the work in one year.

Although the Pieta seems to be in realistic proportions, notice that Mary is larger than Christ.  She would be seven feet tall if standing.  The height and mass of Mary's garments transform what would be an awkward pose into a graceful pyramid composition. After its completion, Michelangelo overheard a patron crediting his work to another artist.  He returned to the Pieta that night and carved "Michelangelo Buonarroti of Florence made this", in Latin, into Mary's sash.

The Replica

This replica was created in Pietrasanta, Italy, by Palla, one of the foremost sculptors in that country.  It is one of two known replicas of Michelangelo's masterpiece in the United States.  The original is located in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican in Rome.  The 6400 pound marble sculpture was shipped directly from Italy to Christ United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah.  The replica is made from Carrara marble, the same material used in the original.  The process of creating the replica began with many photographs and measurements of the original; the form of the replica was fashioned by drilling into the marble to desired depths and removing the excess stone.  The more exact form was chiseled and the finished work polished to a high shine to match the original.

This replica of the Pieta was donated in 1992 by Cyd, Matt, and Jan Denlinger.

Viewing the Sculpture

Please accept our invitation to view this beautiful sculpture during the following open hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 9:00am-3:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am-11:30am

If you would like to schedule a docent presentation or bring groups, please contact the church office (or call (801) 486-5473) at least one week in advance.

Cross Collection

A gifted collection

The crosses mounted in groups and placed on many walls within the building all are a personal gift from Debra Duncan. She gave her vast collection, accumulated over a lifetime, to the church prior to her unexpected and untimely death in 2010. There are crosses from many countries, made in unique styles.

The cross is not an object of worship in our faith. It serves to remind us of Christ's sacrifice. These crosses were matted as works of art in the church by Ron Werzinski and Steve Peters, members of the congregation

Local Artists

Helen Nix

Helen’s life experiences have influenced her appreciation for the beauty, variety, and uniqueness of people and nature. “What a joy to be able to paint subjects that challenge us towards the brotherhood and beauty of our much besieged yet wondrous world.” Helen paints with oils, acrylics,
and water-colors.

Helen's paintings can be found throughout Christ UMC, The Dancing Cranes in Salt Lake City, the Museum of African History and Culture in Washington D.C., and homes across the world.