May 5 workshop aims to connect art and spirituality

MANSFIELD — Jennifer Donley sold her first painting when she was in the fifth grade.

Before that, she had impressive works of art too.

“In Kindergarden, my mother was called because they couldn’t believe I had drawn this elephant with tapestry on its back,” she said.

Donley said her ability comes from natural hand-eye coordination.

“It’s something that I just naturally did, but to me it’s definitely a God-given ability,” she said. “Yes, I went to college for it, but to me it makes my art better when I feel connected (to God).”

Now, Donely and St. John’s United Church of Christ is partnering to help others feel connected through art.

Her workshop to explore art as a spiritual practice takes place Saturday, May 5 at St. John’s UCC. The event will run 1 to 3 p.m. 

Donley will be leading the workshop in partnership with Pastor Jared Ruari of St. John’s UCC.

“Jared and I were just discussing how, from a religious standpoint, we are all created in God’s image. He’s the ultimate creator,” Donley said. “So within us is the ability to create.”

Those in attendance will work with inks and water color.

“One of my pet peeves is Christians have gotten so tolerant of mediocre or bad art,” Ruari said. “It wasn’t always that way. Sacred are was also the world’s best art.”

Ruari pointed to Bach, Michalangelo and Antoni Gaudi.

“We lose something when we are not attentive to spiritual practice or spiritual expression and attentiveness of it,” he added.

The workshop will also invoke spontaneity, Donley added.

“The artist is there guiding it, but the end result is kind of out our hands,” she said. “To me it’s a creative process and I think the spotinaneity helps connect us with something greater than ourselves.

The workshop is open to the public of any artistic background. Plan to bring $10 for materials and please RSVP with the St. John’s UCC office either through email or over the phone.

“I think people will leave the workshop with a lot to think about,” Donley said. “Hopefully they will feel more connected with God, more connected with themselves.”