TULSA, Oklahoma (September 5, 2022) – Distinguished Irish artist and sculptor Ross Wilson will open a new exhibition, The Calling of Lazarus, at the First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa with an opening reception and gallery talk with Ross Wilson on Friday, September 16, from 6-8 p.m.

Wilson will also give a lecture Sunday, September 18 at 9:30 a.m. in Stephenson Hall on, “Vincent: A journey inside the world of Vincent Van Gogh.” Between services, Wilson will be available to meet guests in the exhibition area surrounding Miller Library inside the church.

The portraits are symbolic of the 60 seconds that would have framed the miracle call of Jesus, which consisted only of a name and two words: "Lazarus, come out." Wilson says the portraits show Lazarus at the point of animation, resurrection and at the moment he hears the voice of life, the voice of his friend Jesus.

"Jesus Christ unlocked the doors of death for his friend Lazarus by calling him into life," said Wilson. "A call that Jesus Christ still makes today through his gospel, calling souls from the darkness of death and sin into the sweet, sweet liberty of grace, life and salvation."

Wilson has been a visiting speaker at Harvard, Wheaton, Oxford and Cambridge Universities and the National Portrait Gallery London. His commissions include Nobel Laureates Seamus Heaney and Derek Walcott for the National Portrait Gallery in London and sculpture commissions for the CS Lewis Centenary Sculpture East Belfast and the Titanic Yardmen Sculpture.

Wilson has been honored by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, British Empire Medal for services to charity and outreach work among underprivileged communities in Northern Ireland.

First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa is located at 709 South Boston in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. The exhibit will run through Monday, November 14, 2022. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For additional information about the First Church Atrium Art exhibition or for docent led tours, contact the church office Monday-Friday, 8-4 p.m. at 918-584-4701.