Art as Prayer (in-person & Zoom)

07/21/25

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Location: 920 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 and Zoom
Host: Franciscan Spirituality Center
Facilitators: Mary Thompson, FSPA affiliate

Open watercolor studio.
Artistic expression offers the opportunity for spiritual growth, transformation and healing. This monthly open watercolor studio is a chance to play and learn new techniques without worrying about perfection or finished product. Meet new friends and practice listening to your heart as you paint.

You are invited to attend any or all sessions. Participants ages 8-16 may attend for free with a paid adult.

“I pray to the birds because I believe they will carry the messages of my heart upward. I pray to them because I believe in their existence, the way their songs begin and end each day. The invocations and benedictions of the Earth. I pray to the birds because they remind me of what I love rather than what I fear. And at the end of my prayers, they teach me how to listen.” – Terry Tempest Williams

Sun-soaked summer squash; rosy, red strawberries and radiant peonies; the cool green hues of the Earth. And birds. Lovely, colorful friends of the sky. With reverence for nature and the opportunity to explore through our senses, our spiritual practice this summer will involve creating a personal art journal. Devoting time to a ritual of drawing, painting and journaling awakens the creative spirit and nourishes the relationship with our Divine Companion. In class, we will be working from life. Some objects will be provided (old birds’ nests, feathers, flowers, etc.), but feel free to gather your own. Those joining us on Zoom will need to. For working outside, consider using an old backpack or canvas bag to store your materials. You’ll be able to grab it and go when the spirit calls you. Be open to exploring mixed mediums.

NOTE: You'll need a multimedia art book, such as Canson XL Mix Media Art Book (spiral-bound, 7-by-10 or 9-by-12 inches) or Canson Mixed Media Artist Series (spiral-bound, 5.5-by-8.5 inches)

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES: pencils, drawing pens, colored pencils, pastels, brushes, watercolor paint, water bucket or container with lid, rags or paper towels. (Supplies are provided for in-person participants.)

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