Online… Saturday, December 5, 2020
8:00am – 6:00pm Pacific Time
This is a day dedicated to storytelling… expressed through voice, written word and creation.
It is in the spirit of storytelling that we invite you into this day of making art!
Choose one of the following classes:
- Mother Mary’s Magnificat – Your Creative Response to a Sacred Text with Drew Willard
- Start (or Finish!) That Book with Erik Hanberg
- Creating an Illuminated Hymnal with Rev. Cynthia O’Brien
Our schedule (in Pacific Time):
- 8am Welcome
- 8:15-9am Artist Talk
- 9am-12noon Class
- 12pm-2pm Break/Lunch
- 2pm-4pm Open Studio (work time together in classes, no instruction)
- 5pm Sending Celebration
You will receive the zoom link to join, along with a short devotion, on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020.
Class Descriptions:
Mother Mary’s Magnificat – Your Creative Response to a Sacred Text with Drew Willard
Drew writes, “Students will hear an introductory recitation of paraphrased Bible stories on the theme of how Mary the mother of Jesus may have influenced her adult son. This will be followed by a presentation and discussion about my approach to Biblical storytelling as an immersive form of Bible study with a progressive Christian perspective. Finally, I will teach the process of learning Mary’s ‘Magnificat’ from Luke 1:46-55 [RSV], seeking only to achieve greater familiarity with this text as preparation for Studio Time after lunch.
Prepared with the immersive experience of learning Mary’s Magnificat, students are now prepared to reflect upon the text and respond in whatever media they feel moved to use as a presentation for the Sending Celebration:
- To perfect their recitation of Luke 1:46-55 [Revised Standard Version], or
- To put the text in their own words as a paraphrase and memorize, or
- To use artistic media they are already familiar with for interpreting the text, such as – but not limited to: composing a song; or writing a poem, prose, or dramatic script; draw or paint a picture; sculpt figuratively or throw clay for a vessel; or write calligraphy of the text; or choreograph sacred movement.”
Please gather these supplies:
- Pdf of Luke 1:46-55 [RSV]
- Writing materials for notes
- Any materials required for individual creative discipline
Start (or Finish!) That Book with Erik Hanberg
Author Erik Hanberg has published ten books over the last ten years, not to mention a play and a few novellas. His books have sold more than 60,000 copies and have been translated into Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Arabic (long story).
What’s the secret to starting, writing, and actually finishing a project? Erik talks about his process from the initial spark of an idea for a book, to planning and outlining, to actually making time to write and finish it. Erik will use examples from his own work—both fiction and nonfiction—and from other authors to talk about how to write your book.
This class is well suited for someone who wants to write a book but either hasn’t started or hasn’t finished. Attendees are encouraged to share more about their writing at least a week in advance of the class. If you have a first chapter (or any chapter!), an outline, or even just a character or a concept, please send it in advance. There will also be a lot of time to talk about our writing—and maybe even start your big project—during our time together.
Creating an Illuminated Hymnal with Rev. Cynthia O’Brien

- An old hymnal. Ask a local church, or search online for a used one. Bonus if it is one from your formative years (the Hymnbook 1955? Hymns for the Family of God 1974?)
- A few small images for collage from magazines or old Christmas cards
- Some patterned paper you like, or Christmas wrapping paper
- Scissors and glue stick
- Color pencils or markers or watercolors, whatever you’re most comfortable using
- Optional: Christmas pictures of you and your loved ones
Program Fee: Please discern what you can afford.
Sliding Scale: $180 – $120 – $60
While we recognize the importance of the practice of art, faith and community in our lives at all times, we are especially sensitive to offering opportunities now. You can decide your payment level.
$180 – This is our Student and Supporter Fee.
$120 – Regular Program Fee
$60 – Reduced Fee/Partial Scholarship
Online terms and conditions: There are no refunds for online registrations, but they are transferable if you are unable to participate.
Date
Date(s) - Dec 5, 2020 until Dec 5 2020