“God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply working gently within us.” Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)
I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was six and in Mrs. Barr’s first grade class at Saint Michael’s Episcopal School in Dallas, Texas. We were given an assignment to come to school dressed up as what we wanted to be when we grew up. I was thrilled! I couldn’t wait to get out of my stiff school uniform and into something much more interesting. You see, my dream job at six was to be a fire-fighting, ballet teaching mom. That means I showed up at school in a leotard, tights, ballet slippers, fire fighters hat, and a purse. (I thought a purse is what made you a mom!)
WHAT????
What in the world is a fire-fighting, ballet teaching, mom? Who knows…but, at six that didn’t seem the slightest bit odd. At six, anything seemed possible.
I am thankful my mother didn’t even pause at my crazy outfit. She didn’t try to convince me that I couldn’t be all three things at once. When it came to creativity, in my house the lid was always lifted and the skies were always the limit. How about you?
Take a moment and just think about yourself at the age of six. You were learning to write sentences, creating art projects that were mini-Picasso paintings, and inventing fascinating lands for your dolls to explore. The world was filled with such potential and you were the creator.
But, like a red tee shirt after 40 washes, the vibrancy of our life begins to fade. We slowly but surely become about test scores, matching clothes, fitting in with the cool kids and eventually focus on the “perfect job” that looks nothing like a fire-fighting, ballet teaching mom. Somewhere between 6 and 26, the idea of creating, imagining, dreaming, adventuring all become at odds with societies’ expectations of adulthood.
That is why we are thrilled to announce the addition of Creative Sessions to this years Allume Conference.
The sessions are designed to encourage you to play, explore and try something new that you would never normally do!
Space in each of these offering is very limited so give the list below a looksie and then sign up for what leaps off the page at you. Please only sign up for ONE as they are all happening at the same time!
We look forward to seeing you in just a few weeks!
Email Creative Director, Carey Bailey with any questions at carey{at}allume.com
Prayer Walking – Rachel Baxter // @makesomethingbeautiful
Prayer Room
Do you want your instagram followers to sign off from your feed having experienced the light of Christ? If so come join me as we walk through beautiful Downtown Greenville. I will be giving tips on how to take creative pictures that point people to our amazing creator and some thoughts on how to use your words to build up and bring light to social media. We will then hit the streets and as we walk we will be stopping along the way to take photographs with our iPhones. We also will be taking some time to pray for the people in our social media reach to experience the light of Christ.
Bring camera phone
When Faith & Creativity Merge – Caroline Simas // @MBCarolineSimas
Crepe Myrtle
Join Caroline Simas, licensed artist behind the brand Multiple Blessings, for a fun session focused on faith and creativity. She’ll share a bit of her story then guide you through experimental play with the provided art materials, practicing a few painting techniques before diving in. Each participant will create an original painted canvas to take home and will have the option of incorporating a favorite scripture onto the original piece. No experience necessary!
Blood Transfusion: A Creative Writing Laboratory – Erika Morrison // @erikalifeartist
H
Creative writing is less about pontificating and more about opening an artery and spilling out paragraphs of appalling and awesome truth in the most candid and imaginative way possible; in a way that pierces the hemoglobin of humanity. Come inside this workshop if you desire to pen your words in red and together we’ll explore blood—the most vital component to artistic writing—and exercise opening our arteries.
Bring pen and paper.
Get Messy! Knowing God Through Art – Carey Bailey // @CareyCBailey
Gardenia
As a recovering perfectionist, Carey will share her story of shredding the desire for a perfect life by teaching herself how to rest in the raw and real of God through art. In this breakout session she is inviting you to get your hands dirty! You will use paint, stamps, and paper to create cards that will serve as daily reminders for God’s truth in your life. No art experience is needed – we promise! Come, play, experiment, and discover what it looks like to enjoy the process of creating with freedom.
Wear something that can get messy. PJ’s are accepted.
Make It Pop! The Art Of Creating Beautiful Images – Kris Camealy // @KrisCamealy
Magnolia
You only have a few seconds to catch people’s attention when they click over to your site. Learn how to make images that catch the eye, speak to the heart and inspire people to share your work. Join self-taught photo editor and blogger, Kris Camealy (Photo editor for The High Calling) to learn more about how to create beautiful images for your blog and social media. No experience necessary! This is a fun, inspiring, practical workshop for those looking to add something visually spectacular. Kris will share where to get high quality stock images for free or almost free, teach basic photo editing techniques, share a host of resources to help you work and help you understand the basics of creating powerful images.
Bring your laptop.
Scribe Her Story: An exercise in listening closer and translating story – Amena Owen & Amber Haines // @amenabee & @amberchaines
F
Amena and Amber will facilitate an experiential session on writing, listening and the power of story. Bring your journal, a pen and an open mind.
Finding Your Voice – on Page and on Stage – Wendy Speake // @ Wendy_Speake
G
Join this interactive breakout session and find your authentic voice, both in your writing and your speaking. Beginning with a dramatic monologue, Wendy will lead you through her own journey – as she discovered what God created her to say, and how he designed her to uniquely say it. Bring paper and a pen, and don’t forget your courage, because some of you will have the chance to stand up front and share a bit of your own unique voice as well.
Take a little time to color – Stephanie Ackermann // @ homegrownsteph
Teal
Coloring is all the rage but I have been doing it all my life!
Many of us tend to get away from doing things like coloring when we become adults due to responsibilities, schedules or just thinking that coloring of for kids. Studies show that coloring relieves stress, helps calm chaotic emotions and simply relaxes you. I have felt it and have seen it happen over and over in my classes so I invite you to “Take a little time to color”
Come sit, relax and take a little time to color using watercolors and art that is all ready for you. No skills or supplies necessary. Just you, me and a group of friends coloring.
SIGN UP TODAY. SPACE IS LIMITED
Join the private Facebook Group for Attendees or Hopeful Attendees
