Art & Contemplation

Back by popular demand, this 3-day contemplative session is offered to anyone interested in exploring art as a creative practice. Whether you have been creating art for years or not, come join like-minded people who want to discover new ways to nourish the soul. There will be several creative activities to get your creativity moving. You can choose from a plethora of materials to play with and learn what makes your heart and mind happy. Bring your curiosity and gentle spirit. All experience levels are welcome. Individuals may register for one class sequence or sign up for both in order to work on a longer project. Space is limited.

Each of the three days, we will meet 9 am - 12:30 pm.

Please note:

The registration on this page is for Series 2 only. If you would like to register for Series 1, click here.

About the Presenters:

Both workshops will be led by Valerie Kemp and accented with the wisdom of Sr. Madeleva who will attend if, and as much as, she is able.

Valerie Kemp received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from California State University, Sacramento and completed two years of graduate studies from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. She previously served as Director of Christian Education at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church in Tucson, Arizona and currently is the caregiver for her almost independent daughter on the spectrum.

Valerie shares, “Ever since I learned to write, I wrote out my thoughts and feelings. As I grew older, busier, and distracted with achieving, writing for me became less frequent. I managed a few years of gratitude journaling.  About 13 years ago, I discovered that I wanted to do more than write. I needed another outlet as my care giving became more intense and life got more complicated.  I found a way to extend my creativity beyond writing to include color, images, and freedom to express myself. Art journaling allowed me to play with paint, glue, paper and texture for myself. I didn’t feel the need to “show” my art. What I created was for me unless I wanted to share it. My art discoveries have extended into other areas of my life and enriched my creative spirit. I’ve especially found it lifesaving in getting through and processing the last 2 years of the pandemic. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned (and continue to learn) through this form of self-expression. While I will be sharing art journaling ideas, feel free to bring other art projects you are working on. 

“Be Smart! Make Art!”

Sister Madeleva Williams, CSJ, is a gifted artist and an equally dedicated art teacher. Her portfolio includes hundreds of original pieces of artwork, and in her 30-year teaching career she has encouraged, trained, and inspired thousands of students of all ages. Simply put, Sister Madeleva is equal parts mentor, painter, calligrapher, poet, and philosopher.

More than a million copies of her artwork have been distributed around the world during the past 25 years. Almost certainly that artwork has touched the lives of many more who have seen it. Through her art she has the ability to explainthe most difficult concepts; to comfort those in pain or distress; and to build bridges of hope and understanding between individuals, groups and communities.

Her work, which has appeared in several nationally distributed art catalogs, continues to touch everyone who sees it. Requests for her art frequently include pieces created many years earlier, thus speaking to their universal and enduring appeal.

Throughout her teaching career and long history of artistic accomplishments, Sister Madeleva remains quiet and unassuming. She does not seek praise and recognition for her work but uses her God-given talents to share important insights about the human condition.