traveling artist: Art Ministers Retreat 2012

VineArts Art Ministers from Boise Idaho: (b) Kathy, Dean (f) Lisa, Jessie, Sherri

five of us leaders from the VineArts Ministry at Vineyard Boise traveled from Boise, Idaho to a secluded retreat center Laity Lodge in a river canyon outside of Leaky, Texas where we joined around 50 other Art Ministers, from all over the US that represented various Christian denominations, for a 4 day time of rest, connection, learning, conversation, inspiration, creativity, and worship together.

this was my third time attending this annual retreat that focuses on not just the artist, but the art practitioner (those who have a heart to connect with, encourage, mentor, work with and understand the artist). we were given lots of free time amidst nature's beauty to refresh ourselves, lots of connection time amongst eachother to learn and be inspired, and lots of creative time to experience the talents of others and be inspired within our own talents. we enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the whole place and the generous hospitality of the center staff. we experienced the enriching teachings of author/arts pastor David Taylor, singer/songwriter/producer Charlie Peacock, dancer Sandra Organ-Solis, and artist/sculptor/gallery curator Ginger Geyer. we were treated to the beautiful music of Charlie Peacock, Elizabeth Ann Larson and Steuart Pincombe, and many other talented musicians & singers along with the glorious dancing of Sandra Organ-Solis. and we build new friendships and cultivated old ones amongst such an amazing pool of quality people who dedicate their lives to loving people (the artist, in particular).

The "Art Tribe"...those who attended the 2012 Retreat for Pastors and Ministers to Artists.

my head is still spinning with all that i experienced on this years retreat. i'm thankful for this group of people who get me and i them. i can't wait to go back next year!

the Church Without Walls and the Creative Conversation

I believe art is a language that transcends all language barriers. It's able to get past the walls of cultural differences, age, race, gender, religion, politics, economic standing, education, distance, even time. Creativity is like a conversation. There are conversations going on all the time. Conversations with the artist and the work, with the artist and God, with the artist and nature, with the artist and humankind,with the artist and self. Creativity allows me to come alongside others and enter into the conversations that are already happening. I love listening to conversations. If I'm invited into the conversations this brings about collaboration. Collaboration is an invitation to the sharing of ideas and it's a huge part of building relationship. I believe humankind is a relational people. We need each other. I believe we were created that way by a creative God who is all about relationship with us. And I believe we've been given creativity as a language to relate to each other with. When we connect into the conversation through creativity and allow for collaboration, we are helping to build community together and this fosters relationship. And the walls become invisible between us.

traveling artist

TRIPS

Art Ministers Retreat 2012

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