Pastor and artist Rev. Shawna Bowman (they/them) will be artist in residence and lead a morning arts retreat with dynamic conversation and demonstration of the ways creativity can fuel our spiritual lives and can foster a deeper connection with God and one another in worship.
At a time when our spirits can feel so drained by the destructive forces in our world, Rev. Bowman is a powerful and compelling voice for the ways in which we are called to be co-creators and co-dreamers with God for renewal, justice, and wholeness. The morning will start with a talk from Rev. Bowman (aimed at adults) exploring how the arts, including visual arts, can be a meaningful entry point to engaging all our senses in worship and reveal the spirit of God. Exploring both theology and the sacredness of our own lived experience, Rev. Bowman will invite creativity, possibility, and meaning-making within and beyond aesthetic sensibilities. We’ll then watch and co-create with Shawna during a 90-minute session of contemplative creativity, where all ages are welcome to either watch the creative process unfold as Rev. Bowman paints a large-format artwork centering on the theme of Creation in Genesis and/or create a smaller artwork of their own. We will conclude with lunch and conversation together.

Rev. Shawna Bowman (they/them) is pastor and Executive Director of Friendship Presbyterian Church in Chicago, an innovative cooperative ministry focused on radical ways of serving community and doing justice. They also currently serve as Moderator of the Chicago Presbytery, are an affiliate faculty member at McCormick Theological Seminary, and were a co-founder of the Creation Lab, a cooperative arts center. As a professional artist, their art has been featured at art shows in Chicago and at the PC(USA) General Assembly.