Summer School Experience
Imaging the Story Summer School gives permission — over 4 whole days — to take time for yourself! Retreat from the workplace or usual patterns of everyday life and intentionally inhabit a creative environment where the rhythm of art making, spiritual thinking, and discovery are core to each day. You will be part of a friendly, diverse, and stimulating community of people gathered from near and far, who desire to nudge their understanding of creativity in new directions, to go deeper in exploring the connection between art and spiritual practices, taking risks, and being playful! You will have the shared experience of eating together, of reflecting, alone and with others, and drawing on the beauty of the market town’s buildings, cafes, arts venues, people, and parks for inspiration.
Dates - 4 Day Course
3-6 July, 2023
Course Description
Ten sessions span the overarching narrative of the story of God through the lens of the arts; visual art, poetry, creative writing, 3D work, design, music, movement, and myriad art forms represented in the group.
The broad themes are Creation, Crisis, Calling, Conception, Coming, Cross & Comeback, Community, Church, Charisma, and Consummation. Through all, we’ll explore creativity: what it is and who invented it, how to move through arid times, what to do with our mistakes, finding and sustaining inspiration, and the joys and challenges of creating with others.
We travel with the course book through the story’s high and low points, and we journey with key characters, exploring events and actions which move the plot along.
The course features paintings, poems, and art works from the tradition of art history, highlighting genres or themes such as Annunciation, Nativity, and Crucifixion.
You will use a range of art materials and techniques, receive instruction and teaching along the way, and have an opportunity to participate in a collaborative piece of art for a public place.
Who is it for?
The course is open to people over the age of 16, with faith or none, with art experience or none. It is inclusive, and the venue is largely accessible, though please get in touch for specific requirements.
Location
Create@#8, 8 Town Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5BG
Cost
£150.
Concessions
*New Discount*: CLERGY pay £75. (Ordained clergy or people who are pursuing ordination please use the Discount Code CLERGY at checkout)
Multiple bookings: make two or more bookings together and pay £120 each
Over 60s pay £100 (Use the Discount Code OVER60 at checkout)
Students pay £100 (Use the Discount Code STUDENT at checkout)
Bursaries are available: please contact Rev’d Gill Sakakini
Email Gill using this address: revgill.sheptonmallet@gmail.com Phone: 07969 158 488
What is provided?
A copy of the course book, Imaging the Story (£18.99), group and individual instruction, delicious cakes and refreshments, four simple lunches, and all art materials.
Accommodation
For non-local participants there are places to stay in Shepton Mallet and the nearby towns of Wells and Frome. There is also a limited amount of accommodation in homes. Please contact Gill for more information (details above).
