Art & Creation Retreat Series
A 4 part weekend series designed to be connected with the 4 seasons of the year. Guests will experience Bethany and God’s creation at different times all throughout the year. Registering for one does not require you to attend all 4 sessions, although we hope you do.
Facilitators: Mary Kay Laplante and Elle Morgan
February 25-27
April 29-May 1
June 24-26
October 14-16
“Ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being.” Job 12:7-10
You are invited to participate in a new Art & Creation Series offered 4 times per year (Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall) at Bethany Retreat Center. The creative essence is from God and is within each of us and although some individuals may not think of themselves as artistic or creative, this program will reveal art as a means to deepen one’s connection to the Creator of all and to all of creation.
It is by virtue of being made in the image and likeness of God that we possess reason and freedom, which come together in our capacity for creativity. (Ellen Mady, Participating in God’s Creativity). The spiritual approach to creating art does not focus on the outcome or result of one’s efforts. Instead, this practice allows one to connect with one’s self on a more profound level and develop greater self-awareness and awareness of the Spirit within.
We will seek the teachings of St. Francis and other great mystics in seeing and experiencing God in His creation all around us. And with intentional awareness, observe God’s artistry in His created world. Exploring poetry, scripture, inspirational quotes and creating collages of texture from nature, paints, and pictures, gives us a way to go deeper, beyond the cognitive to the subconscious mind, and spirit.
No artistic experience is required. Whether you think of yourself as an artist or not this offering will allow you room to explore your creative self and appreciate God’s presence in the world and in you. Come and let your God-given creativity flow.
Mary Kay Laplante, Iconographer in Residence at Bethany Retreat Center, received her degree in Fine Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1987. She has been studying the ancient Byzantine technique of iconography since 2006 with Vladislav Andrejev, a Russian Orthodox Master Iconographer and Principal of the Prosopon School of Iconography and Iconology. She enjoys the opportunity to share her knowledge of icons, teaches icon writing workshops and accepts commissions from individuals and churches. Mary Kay’s icons have been shown locally and internationally.
Elle Morgan is the Director of Summit Hill Transformation Center in Curwensville, PA, where she leads retreats for Health and Well Being and creates custom-designed experiences for campers in nature and art. She is a certified yoga instructor, a professor of Public Speaking at Penn State University and the author of The Elements of New Life Scripts–Sacred Theatre. She is also gaining traction as a go-to gourmet outdoor chef!
Offering: $298.00 per person, per retreat weekend
Deposit: $75.00
Arrival: 3:00-5:00 pm on Friday
Departure: 12:00 pm on Sunday
For more information call 814-263-4855 or email DeborahBRC12@gmail.com
To register go to www.bethanyretreatcenter.org
Visit us at Bethany Retreat Center to explore and encourage your creativity within as you walk your faith journey.