| Upcoming
retreat explores the spiritual dimension of painting
"Painting is an engagement with Mystery and an invitation to be transformed by the creative process," says Dr. John Jerry-Anthony Parente, who will lead “Watercolor as a Spiritual Practice” this summer, July 11-14. No artistic experience required. This retreat is supported by a grant from the Idaho Commission on the Arts and is among many upcoming Spirituality and the Arts programs scheduled at Spirit Center. Dr. John Jerry-Anthony Parente will also present a free lecture, open to the public, on Tuesday, July 12 at 7 p.m., "Art and the Spiritual Journey of the Artist", in the Johanna Room. All are welcome. "The transparency of watercolor allows for the expression of the transparency of the Divine in all," says Parente, who is a nationally-exhibited artist and holds degrees in art, theology and spirituality. He has taught art and spirituality for 25 years; he now teaches at Chabot College in the Bay Area and at workshops across the country. According to the Spirituality and the Arts mission statement, the Benedictine Sisters "believe art is the domain of every human being" and the Spirit Center retreats are an effort along with "artists, through dialogue and hospitality, to contemplate, to express and to explore the unity and mystery of all creation." Spirit Center director Mary Schmidt hopes these retreats will be about more than just the artwork. "There is the opportunity for community-building," she says. "The group process of creative engagement can help develop the inner spiritual strength that can change the world." “Watercolor as Spiritual Practice” begins Monday, July 11 at 7:00 p.m. and ends Thursday, July 14 at 11:30 a.m. at Spirit Center, at the Monastery of St. Gertrude in Cottonwood. Suggested donation: $295 each for shared room/ $340 single room. The free lecture “Art and the Spiritual Journey of the Artist” is on Tuesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. To learn more and register for the retreat call 208-962-2000 or visit www.Spirit-Center.org. 
Shown is Artwork by Dr. John Jerry-Anthony Parente. “To View the Vastness.” 
This one is titled "To Hildegard, Julian and the Women Who Came Before Us." |
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