Artist: M Alice Abrams
Title: Palm Sunday
Medium: Linoleum Block Print, metal leaf, watercolor
Size: 14 x16 in.
Artist Statement: 
These pieces were created to be sisters to each other. The first, Palm Sunday, celebrates the coming of the Savior as he rides into Jerusalem. The day is bright and cheerful. The narrow street is lined with excited onlookers, their finest rugs laid on the ground to welcome the Savior home.
 
The second, Good Friday, takes us to that same street in Jerusalem after Christ’s trial as he is led out of the city by Roman soldiers. The mood is heavy, and dark clouds cover the morning sky, an omen for the grieving that has occurred and for what is to come. The forgotten palm leaves lie mangled in the dust, a remembrance of the once joyful scene, now solemn.
 
I want viewers to experience both joy and sorrow with the Savior. So often we only focus on the suffering, but Christ also felt our greatest triumphs. Palm Sunday helps us celebrate his exuberance, and Good Friday reminds us of the weight of his ultimate task of dying for humankind.