Explore the connection between spirituality, creativity
Explore the relationship between spirituality and creativity when local freelance writer and children's book author Carmela Martino presents "The Artist's Way" from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville.
This interactive program is based on "The Artist's Way," the classic book by Julia Cameron, who says God made people to be co-creators with him. In her book, Cameron discusses the relationship between creativity and spirituality, showing how to tap into the higher power that connects human creativity with the creative energies of the universe.
In Cameron's words, "Creativity is God's gift to us. Using our creativity is our gift back to God."
Examples of creativity range from cooking to dancing, drawing to gardening, knitting to music-making, painting to photography, and poetry to writing. These examples barely scratch the surface of creative endeavors.
Martino is the author of "Rosa, Sola," a children's novel about an Italian-American girl growing up in 1960s Chicago. The book was awarded the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval. Her articles have appeared in "Catholic Parent," "New Catholic Explorer" and other publications.
Martino also teaches writing workshops for both children and adults and founded www.teachingauthors.com, a blog by six authors of children's books who also are writing teachers. Martino holds a master of fine arts degree in writing for children and young adults.
"The Artist's Way" is sponsored by Sophia's Circle of St. Thomas the Apostle, a ministry that offers three micro-retreats yearly for women to explore topics related to spiritual reconnections of faith in a three-hour evening format. Each evening's program begins with wine and light refreshments.
Reservations for this program, at $10 each payable in cash or by check at the door, are encouraged by Tuesday, Jan. 19, because seating is limited to 75 people. For reservations and information, contact Marge Coronado, religious education assistant at St. Thomas, at (630) 355-8980, ext. 118, or mcoronado@stapostle.org.
When making reservations for more than one individual, include the names and phone numbers of all women.