Summer Institute in Spirituality and the Arts

Summer Institute workshops are designed for persons interested in:

• The intersections of art and religion
• The arts as an experience of personal growth and spiritual reflection
• The arts in congregational life and vitality
• An intensive learning experience, sabbatical, or study opportunity
• Leaving refreshed for their work in the world

Explorations in Creativity, Worship, and Faith Explore the intersections of art and religion in your personal lives and faith communities. Different tracks provide tools for spiritual growth, personal reflection, and congregational renewal. Each day of the 4-day Institute includes a morning and afternoon workshop. Full-day or half-day attendance options are available.

2012 SUMMER INSTITUTE IN SPIRITUALITY AND THE ARTS
TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
JUNE 12-15

Please check back soon for more details.

Daily Schedule
Cost/CEUs/Registration
Lodging
For More Information

Details

Morning Workshop Options

1) Creativity and Spirituality

When people are creative (painting, cooking, gardening, etc.), they often experience moments of profound grace. In this hands-on class, we'll experience our own creativity in a variety of forms including watercolor, collage, writing, and bookbinding. We'll also combine art-making with prayer and meditation. Participants will leave with resources for integrating the power of creativity into their life and work. Special attention will be given to models for ministry. No artistic experience necessary.

Margaret Carroll (aka Peggy Thompson) studied at the Chicago Institute of Art and earned her Master of Divinity degree from United. She is a chaplain at Unity Hospital and has taught healing art classes for cancer patients at Virginia Piper Cancer Institute®. She is a recognized expert in the healing power of art.

2) Performance and Social Justice

Penumbra Theatre is a leader in creating transformative programs that confront race and racism in safe and empowering ways. Participants will experience theatre practices developed to heal both individuals and communities from oppression and enliven the creative spirit in each of us. Through games, storytelling, performance, and critical thinking, participants will explore the power of the arts to promote and actualize social justice and equity.

Sarah Bellamy, Penumbra’s associate artistic director–education, has designed several programs that engage participants in critical thinking, dialogue, and action around issues of race and social justice. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, Bellamy also holds an M.A. from the University of Chicago and is working toward her doctorate at the U of M.

Afternoon Workshop Options

3) Playing with Art to Create Poems of Vision and Spirit

In this popular workshop, we will “mess around” with art materials triggered by selected poems. We'll then write our own poems informed by what we have created. The process will find us pressing the limits of our personal and collective spiritual frontier. New poems and themes.

Susan Deborah (Sam) King teaches writing at various institutions including the U of M and Loft Literary Center. Formerly a Presbyterian minister and psychotherapist, King leads retreats on creativity and spirituality and is the author of Tabernacle: Poems of an Island and One Breasted Woman.

4) Freeing Your Voice

Whether for personal enjoyment or professional development, this class invites you to free the power and potential of your voice! Many aspects of leadership require vocal strength and confidence. This workshop covers basic vocal exercises and techniques to enhance your speaking and singing abilities. The approach is holistic, with warm ups, breath awareness, and spiritual intention. A form of singing meditation will be explored. All levels of musical experience are welcome.

Mary Bohman is trained as a music therapist and has been a voice teacher, ensemble director, and performer for more than 20 years. A gifted teacher, she is children’s music coordinator at First Universalist Church in Minneapolis and a candidate for ministry at United.

Cost/CEU/Registration

Full-day Registration

Half-day Registration

Lodging

Subject to availability, United offers limited on-campus housing. Lodging at United and other nearby options.

For more information

To learn more about United’s Religion and the Arts Program or the Summer Institute in Spirituality and the Arts, contact Renee K. Flesner, 651.255.6138. For information about the Masters Program in Theology and the Arts, contact Michelle Rodriguez, 651.255.6119.