Also known as "The Way of the Cross" or the "Via Dolorosa," the Stations of the Cross depicts the Journey of Jesus Christ from condemnation to death on a cross. Originally these were stops along the actual route in Jerusalem but were created into 14 stops or illustrations for those who could not pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Journeying The Stations of the Cross is a devotional experience portrayed across many different denominations of faith.

Once complete, the 14 Stations will be exhibited first in Vancouver, B.C. for three months in 2026. We will hold in-gallery events such as devotional mini-pilgrimages and retreats. Just the creation of this art, plus the expected events, will add to the world art that brings people in touch with the Paschal mystery and cycle of life, death and resurrection. Throughout the process of receiving reflections from many clergypersons of various denominations, Karen has seen and felt the connections and revelations that are possible through this project and hopes that others, regardless of spiritual journeys, will experience the same.

To bring all 13 remaining Stations to life in fabric art over the course of 2025, it will take materials (fabrics and equipment), patterns, piecework, sewing, and miscellaneous other costs. Karen plans to seek help from underpaid individuals in her local community, providing them with valuable skills while receiving assistance as supporting craftspersons, overseeing the project, and applying her skills as a master-seamstress as necessary.

It is the hope that through this fundraising campaign and three grant applications, enough funds will be raised ahead of the creation of the Stations that we won’t have to do both fundraising and creation at the same time. As of January 2025, work has begun to complete Station One, and we will continue to work diligently to complete the project.

If we don’t reach our entire funding goal, rest assured that every contribution will still be put to good use. The funds will help cover essential materials and support the creation of future stations, ensuring that the project continues to grow and resonate. Your support is invaluable, and together we can bring this vision to life!

2025 will be the year that this series will be transformed from drawings to fabric art. They will be completed by the end of 2025 and exhibited first in Vancouver, B.C. at the Il Museo Gallery at the Italian Cultural Center in 2026. The thirteen pieces remaining to finish this series will be created over 12 months.

After years collecting the reflections invited and given freely from 14 clergy authors, each drawing took approximately 10-14 days to draw over 7 Lenten seasons. Station Number 9 was created in fabric art as an experiment to try making it in finished fabric; it took upward of 50 hours of meticulous construction.

Karen prefers to work in fine natural fibers such as silk, cotton, linen, wool, etc.

Karen uses a technique of fabric appliqué piecework.

Karen is currently receiving help from underpaid women and non-binary individuals in her local community, providing them with valuable skills while receiving assistance as supporting craftspersons with the tasks that are unskilled such as patterns, piecework and cutting. These working relationships will receive appropriate compensation through both grants and fundraising as part of the overall project.

Tax receipts are not available for this project. Karen is an artist with a ministry but must operate as a business according to the laws of Canada.

This project is non-denominational and ecumenical. The authors of the Stations reflections represent 10 diverse Christian denominations across Canada, the USA and the UK and remarkably, find common ground in the sacred pattern of life, death and rebirth which is at the heart of the Christian faith. All of the reflections can be found in this YouTube playlist.

After March 2026 this series will be available for hosting by churches and galleries across Canada. If you or your church would like to be a priority in this schedule, you can do so by sponsoring one whole station. It is expected that the series will be available to tour in the USA after March 2027.

There are currently no plans for permanent exhibition. Ideas?

You can view Karen's lines of clergy stoles as well as custom liturgical art creations at www.brodiedesigns.com.