Franciscan Arts Initiative

08/26/2026

Holy Cross Retreat Center is gearing up for their annual Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts! As part of the Franciscan Arts Initiative, a province-wide commitment supporting creativity in our communities, this festival will take place on Labor Day Weekend.

The connection between Franciscan spirituality and the arts reaches back centuries. St. Francis' vision of nature and creation influenced early Renaissance artists as they began incorporating the natural world into their work. Through the Franciscan Arts Initiative, that legacy continues across the Province, creating opportunities for art to inspire, connect and enrich the lives of others.

08/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the opening reception of Seasons of Creation! We’re grateful to all who came out to celebrate the work of Jill Withrow Baker and John Florence.

Gallery Hours:
Sunday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tuesday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Thursday, 4–7 p.m.
Friday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Learn more about the exhibition:
https://www.franciscansusa.org/event/the-seasons-of-creation/

08/11/2026

Join us Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. for the opening of The Seasons of Creation, featuring the work of Jill Withrow Baker and John Florence in a reflective exhibition on the rhythms, beauty, and fragility of the natural world. Winter, spring, summer, and fall shape the pattern of human life, reminding us that we, like all living things, are subject to and dependent upon the changing seasons of the Earth. In a time of climate change and increasing environmental uncertainty, these seasonal shifts also invite deeper attention to adaptation, stewardship, and our spiritual relationship with creation.

Learn more here:

The Seasons of Creation brings together the work of Jill Withrow Baker and John Florence in a reflective exhibition on the rhythms, beauty, and fragility of the natural world. Winter, spring, summer, and fall shape the pattern of human life, reminding us that we, like all living things, are subject....

06/25/2026

Last week, in a sold-out class, Mary Haycraft led students through an engaging workshop where they discovered the magic of crafting stunning geometric suncatchers.

Ready to unleash your inner artist? Join our August workshop and ignite your passion for stained glass! Perfect for beginners and returning students alike, no experience necessary. Just bring your imagination and get ready to create something that radiates beauty. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yzvw3nzx

06/19/2026

During Mount Saint Francis Kids Camp, Father Vince led campers in a creative session exploring the connection between art, science, and care for creation. The children learned that the natural world is full of beauty, purpose, and wonder, and that how we observe and care for creation matters to God. With that in mind, they drew and painted images of different creatures, using art as a way to notice, appreciate, and honor the life around them. Held on 400 acres of beautiful grounds at Mount Saint Francis Center for Spirituality, the camp offers children a safe and welcoming week of creativity, outdoor exploration, friendship, and fun.

06/13/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the opening reception of Beauty in Form, Texture, and Layers of Color. It was a beautiful evening celebrating the work of Marietta Willman and Susan Moore, whose pieces invite viewers to slow down and notice the relationships between surface, structure, texture, pattern, and color.

The exhibition remains open through August 6, and we invite you to join us again for the Artist Talk: Beauty in Form, Texture, and Layers of Color on June 25!

06/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for MountFest this past weekend at Mount Saint Francis Center for Spirituality! Surrounded by music, art, food, laughter, and community, we were reminded of the beauty that is possible when people share their gifts. We are grateful to the community that continues to make MountFest such a meaningful tradition.

06/06/2026

The 10th annual MountFest is in full swing at Mount Saint Francis Center for Spirituality, and there’s still plenty of time to join us! We’ll be here until 8 p.m. Come enjoy live music, fresh lemonade, games for kids, local food, and beautiful artwork, jewelry, and handmade creations from regional artists and vendors.

06/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us this weekend for Introduction to Pastels Workshop with artist Gary Edward Jennings. This hands-on course invited participants to discover the beauty and versatility of pastels while exploring blending, layering, and composition. With Gary’s guidance, guests at this sold-out workshop had the opportunity to learn in an encouraging, creative atmosphere and leave with a completed piece of their own.

Looking for more opportunities to create, learn, and be inspired? View our upcoming Franciscan Arts Initiative classes and events here: www.franciscansusa.org/franciscan-arts-initiative

05/20/2026

Join us for a great day! June 6th, 11-8 pm. Arts, crafts, food and live music.