I FOUND MY TRIBE!

REVIEW: ART MENTOR RETREAT

Have you ever had one of those experiences where you knew in your "knower" that something was meant for you? A place, a time, a message, a connection, a gift. That is what I experienced last weekend in Texas.

I had the honor of being able to attend a special retreat outside of Kerrville, Texas (2 hours from San Antonio) at a place called Laity Lodge. The retreat was for "Pastors & Ministers to Artists." The theme was all about being Mentors to Artists. This was "right up my alley" as it seems that much of what I do within my art business of "RevelatorArt" and within the art ministry of "VineArts" centers around the relationship I get to form with other artists (many of whom appreciate that special attention to their artist heart of who they are and desire to have someone speak into their lives in deep & meaningful ways, especially regarding the risks of pursuing their creativity. It's not just about the art, it's about the heart).

I've never been to Texas (other than the Dallas airport for a short layover years ago) and so I was very excited to get the chance to hang out in the Lone Star State and experience something so fresh and new (artist-lovin people from all over the world coming together to connect & converse and relate & recreate).

I traveled with our Director of VineArts (we were representing the arts ministry of Vineyard Boise in Boise, Idaho). We share a partnership in the arts with a heart for artists (professional and amateur) who have been wounded or stifled in their lives regarding art and who they are as artists. This retreat became a very meaningful experience for the both of us.

Laity Lodge is nestled out in the wilderness in a desert canyon that springs forth a beautiful verilian colored river (which FYI...the only way in & out of the campus is to actually DRIVE THRU the river! I'm serious! It's crazy fun!). The campus of the retreat center is spread out with peaceful walking paths between buildings that gave me the experience of being on a pilgrimage. I should take a moment to rave about the Laity Lodge. They really are amazing as they do whatever it takes to make your experience a relaxing and memorable time. The landscape is inspirational, the accomodations & food are much higher quality than any retreat center I've ever been to, and the hospitality & generousity of the staff is absolutely commendable!

There were only 50-60 people attending from all over the world (US, UK, NZ, CAN) who represented a variety of ecumenical denominations. Some people were Pastors at local churches, other people were artists that found themselves in positions as a Pastor or Director of the Arts at their local church, and others were there representing certain organizations that had interest in ministry to artists. All were there to glean what they could from each other and from the experience. It was a very intimate time of connecting as we met up for worship, teaching sessions, meals, discussion small groups, and artistic activities. And there was plenty of free time to be spent reading, writing, doing art, going for walks, napping, and generally allowing yourself to be filled up and refreshed (since most of us are normally in positions of pouring ourselves out into others).

Our main speakers were David Taylor (Arts Pastor, Author, University Instructor) and Luci Shaw (Poet, Author, Editor, Publisher). We were led in corporate worship by Bryan Brown (Music Pastor). There was special music by Miriam Jones & Jez Carr (Guitar, Piano, Vocals) and Vito & Monique Aiuto of "The Welcome Wagon" (Guitar, Various Instruments, Vocals) and Charlie Peacock (Singer-Songwriter, Record Producer, Author). We had an Encaustic Art workshop given by Phaedra Taylor (Artist). And the founders of Artslink (a para-church Art & Missions organization that is part of Operation Mobilization) were also there along with people from all over the world representing universities, local churches, and communities.

It was so meaningful to realize that as art ministers, we're not alone...this is a vital thing to know. David Taylor used the word "Tribe" when talking about artists connecting with artists. We recognize something that connects within and we belong. After all that I experienced on the retreat I wanted to shout out "I found my TRIBE!"

I'm still on the journey of processing from the retreat, so I may post more later, but I wanted to jot down some initial impressions and thoughts here.