Zoom: Spiritual Tools for Artists: A Single Focus

Artists need encouragement and inspiration and time to retreat from everyday stresses.  In this program Evan and Janice will use a visual artwork as the focus for discussion and to ignite insights to our souls and our work. Together we will let God guide us with the use of Visio Divina which is a practice like the monastic tradition of Lectio Divina except a visual is used for reflection instead of a written word to communicate with the sacred.  The participants can share how the work we view speaks to their personal journey. This will be an enriching time with other artists – seasoned or aspiring – painters, writers, craft workers, and all manner of creative artistic endeavor.  This program is offered every fourth Thursday.

Spiritual Tools is a monthly ‘mini-retreat’ for spiritual conversation in response to a work of art. This practice lectio divina inspired practice of noticing, wondering and listening provides ample time and space for participants to listen, speak, and slow down. It helps invite new attention to God’s integrating involvement in your art/craft practice, life, and prayer.

A Single Focus will be a series in March, April and May of three paintings from the 17th Century featuring one person in the art.  Looking at perspectives from Spanish, Dutch and French cultures will provide the group with a fresh look at the lives of this time period.

Facilitated by Janice Ariza and Evan Clendenin