Local photographer, Brenda Calinawan, will be having a solo exhibit of her time in Jerusalem through April 17th. There will be an opportunity to speak with Ms. Calinawan at a reception on Wednesday, March 25th, from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
The exhibit, titled “Pilgrimage to the Holy Land” is a photo essay of Ms. Calinawan’s religious journey to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ’s ministry from his entry to the city – commonly known as Palm Sunday – until his death. Photographs of places she visited in Israel will be displayed, including the land surrounding Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall), the interiors of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Tomb of Christ, and the Church of the Resurrection.
Additionally, the exhibit is in memory of Ms. Calinawan’s father, who was unable to join her on this journey but who was able to enjoy the photographic record of her pilgrimage. Last September, after he was laid to rest, Calinawan decided that she would like to share these with her community of Roselle Park.
“The photos that I have prepared from the Catholic Pilgrimage to the Holy Land last May was originally captured through my lens for me to share the experience with my dad. A few years ago, I had been wanting him to visit Israel and see all these holy sites that we used to talk about,” she recalled about her inspiration, “Due to some circumstances, he was not given the opportunity to do so. Early last year when I was invited to join the pilgrimage I spoke to him and got his blessing. I did this to materialize his dream. It was such a blessing and humbling experience.”
The Roselle Park Art Gallery is located in the Casano Community Center, which itself is located at 314 Chestnut Street. The community center and art gallery hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. till 8 pm. and Fridays till 5 p.m.