Workshops
Workshops are organized around artistic disciplines as well as themes related to formation, calling, creativity, and practice. The conference includes two workshop sessions, and each workshop will be offered during both sessions, giving participants flexibility in choosing the topics that interest them most.
Workshops by Artist Discipline
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With Cristin Gordon
This interactive session invites participants to explore how limitations can expand, rather than restrict, creative movement. Through guided exercises, we will investigate how to use space with intention, respond dynamically to other dancers, and build a more intuitive connection to music. Participants will engage in practices that encourage moving without overthinking or self-editing, developing greater awareness, responsiveness, and expressive freedom. Whether you are new to dance or a seasoned artist, this session will help hone and solidify the dancer's improvisational skills and spirit-led movement.
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With Brianna De Leon and Deana Merchant
How can drama bring stories to life and help communicate truth in powerful and memorable ways? Through short scenes, dramatic Scripture readings, character development, and creative performance, this workshop explores how narrative and storytelling can engage audiences, evoke emotion, and create meaningful connections. Participants will learn practical techniques, discuss the unique role of drama in the church and culture, and have opportunities to put ideas into practice. Whether you are an experienced actor, a ministry leader, or simply curious about dramatic arts, this session will help you discover how performance can be used to communicate truth and impact lives.
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With Bryn Gillette
What does it look like to create art in real time? Whether painting during church services, weddings, conferences, or community events, artists have a unique opportunity to capture stories, moments, and meaning as they unfold. This session invites artists to think of themselves as visual scribes, responding to what they see, hear, and sense through live painting and creative expression. Together, we will explore how attentiveness to the Holy Spirit, careful observation, discernment, and collaboration can shape the creative process, helping artists develop a prophetic voice that captures meaning and gives visual expression to what they sense God may be saying.
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With Connie McFarland, Christopher Ellington and Joshua De Leon
In today’s world, every organization, institution, and individual is communicating through short-form content. From social media to storytelling within churches, schools, and the marketplace, the ability to create clear, compelling video and written content is more important than ever. This session explores how to craft and produce meaningful stories in short formats—capturing attention, communicating with purpose, and creating work that resonates beyond the moment. Whether you are a filmmaker, writer, ministry leader, or simply looking to share ideas more effectively, you will gain practical insight into shaping content that is both engaging and impactful.
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With Jared DePasquale
Every artist begins by learning from others but over time must discover their own voice. This session explores how musicians grow through study, practice, and experience, developing a sound, style, and sense of calling that is uniquely their own. Through teaching, conversation, and guided reflection, explore who God has made you to be and the unique contribution you bring to the world.
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With Jamie Martin
Writing is a powerful pathway to healing - for ourselves and others. This session explores the power of words to process difficult experiences, uncover meaning, and create connection through honest storytelling. With guided prompts and reflection, participants will discover how writing can navigate grief, uncertainty, and transformation while also helping others feel seen, understood, and invited into their own healing journey.
Whether you are an experienced writer, an author, or an avid journal keeper, this session will invite you to write with authenticity, compassion, and purpose. Together, we will explore how writing is both a spiritual practice and a gift that can bring hope to others. (Please note that there will be no pressure to share your writing with the group.)
Formation - Calling - Practice
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With Chris Vitarello, Christine Vitarello and Oraine Stewart
There is no single path to a life in the arts. Whether you are creating professionally, balancing another vocation, or exploring how creativity fits within your current season of life, this session examines what it means to cultivate a fulfilling and sustainable life as an artist. Through practical insights and honest stories, we will explore how to navigate work, finances, family, calling, and creativity in ways that allow your art, faith, and relationships to flourish.
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With Hailey Budihardjo and Crystal Ellington
What does it look like to intentionally shape worship environments that invite people to encounter God? Drawing from real ministry practice, this session explores how churches can thoughtfully integrate music, dance, visual art, drama, and more into the life of worship. Through intentional planning and dreaming, we will consider how prayer, collaboration, and creativity work together to create space for God to move and engage the heart, mind, and spirit. Whether you are a pastor, worship leader, artist, ministry leader, or volunteer, you will gain practical insight into cultivating environments that are both creative and deeply rooted in worship.
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With Ryan Keating
Life is marked by both beauty and brokenness, joy and sorrow, wonder and loss. This session explores how vulnerability and courage empower artists to engage themes of suffering, restoration, and justice. Together, we will consider how art can raise important questions, foster meaningful conversations, and point toward redemption and hope.
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With Adam DePasquale, Erin Martin and TK Mabelane
Whether serving on a worship team, behind the scenes in production, or through visual arts, dance, drama, media, or other creative ministries, artists have the privilege of helping the Church encounter truth, beauty, and the presence of God. But effective creative ministry requires more than talent. Together, we'll explore how to cultivate a heart devoted to God, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, excellence in our craft, and a spirit of humility so that we become the kind of artists through whose lives and work God accomplishes His purposes, advances His kingdom, and reveals His glory.
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With Ali Psomas
Creativity is in all of us, and it has the power to shape how we learn, connect, and grow. Through stories and practical examples, Ali will share how creative experiences can support young people and she invites artists to consider how their gifts can serve others. Participants will explore how artists can extend their impact beyond their own art practice through arts-driven learning, community engagement, and mentorship. We will work in small groups to create sample programs for youth.