2026 Agenda

Sessions

Plenary Session

Fire in the Bible

A promise? A threat? From the angel guarding the tree of life to the last pages of Revelation, the image of fire appears again and again in the Biblical story. How do we meditate on this recurring, and at times, frightening image? What does it offer us? Join poet Anna A. Friedrich as we consider together how this revelation of fire might inform and shape our lives and our creative work as Christians.

Presenter: Anna A. Friedrich
Topic: Art, Music, Writing

Breakout #1 (10:20am-11:05am)

• Creating Income Streams with Your Visual Art

  What does God say about art? What is my purpose in it? God gives us our calling as part of a larger picture. He tells us to "go watch the ant" (Proverbs 6:6-8)—to do what is in front of us. For me, that's visual art.

  Colossians 3:23 sets a high bar: "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men."

  Selling art or charging for classes can be intimidating. I'll share methods I've used, lessons I've learned, and suggestions from books and fellow artists.

  Presenter: Joan Comrie
  Topic: Art

• Worshipful Stewardship

  There comes a point in your life where people know when you’ve been in the room. Your work speaks for itself – your habits, your tendencies. Discover a way to be intentional with every action you do so that it always spread the same message. Being a good steward will allow you to steward more.

  Presenter: Christopher Daigle
  Topic: Music

• Analog vs. Digital

  What are the differences between analog and digital mediums? How do these effect the art that we make? How should we as followers of Christ approach these tools? This session will unpack how various digital applications effect the way that artists and writers make creative choices. As well as looking at artists and authors (Wendell Berry, C.S. Lewis, Malcolm Guite, Tyson Motsenbocker) who have reflected on this topic in the past.

  Presenter: Luke Murray
  Topic: Writing

Breakout #2 (11:30am-12:15pm)

• Embrace the Art of Light and Shadow; Intro to Cyanotype Printing

  In this breakout we will explore the effects of light and shadow by using natural elements to create designs on light sensitive paper. We will explore the themes of the conference through our artwork.

  Presenter: Allison McGrail
  Topic: Art

• How to Successfully Fund Your Creative Project: Crowdfunding

  Crowdfunding has transformed how creative projects get funded, but most campaigns fail to reach their goals. In this session, you'll learn practical strategies for building an audience, structuring campaigns, and creating sustainable momentum beyond the initial launch. Whether you're launching your first Kickstarter or exploring alternative funding models, you'll leave with helpful tips you can put to use right away.

  Presenter: Matt Litzinger & Matt Wheeler
  Topic: Music

• So You Want To Be An Author?

  For adults (high school and up) who would like to know what it takes to publish a book. Discussion will include traditional vs self-publishing; cost, print-ready manuscripts, and marketing.

  Presenter: Layne Case
  Topic: Writing

Breakout #3 (2:05pm-3:20pm)

• What is Gyotaku? How God Deposits Beautiful and Unique Details Into Each of Us

  I will teach the technique of Gyotaku using leaves and/or feathers while sharing my testimony and reminding that they too have so many beautiful details. The Gyotaku project will be a take home finished product (maybe a tote bag, a pre-cut matted finished product, an apron, or note cards).

  Presenter: Patti Fielding
  Topic: Art

• Collaborative Songwriting Workshop

  Are you a poet or musician interested in songwriting? Whether you're a seasoned songwriter looking to help others or a novice with fresh ideas, we'll offer tips on working together, break into groups to develop song concepts, and share our creative "lightbulb moments." Feel free to bring your own ideas. We will also provide a writing prompt to inspire collaboration.

  Presenter: Matt Litzinger & Matt Wheeler
  Topic: Music

• Poetry Workshop

  Poetry is a work of refining. An initial idea gives way to form, to intention, to patience, and courage. In this workshop, the poet Anna Friedrich will offer some simple yet tried and tested ways of beginning a poem and refining it.

  Presenter: Anna A. Friedrich
  Topic: Writing