Sacred Art Workshops
Our mission is to teach traditional approaches to the sacred arts, to offer creative opportunities for experiencing the beauty of the Church, and to invite all to use art as an instrument in personal growth and healing.
Each workshop is taught by a leader in the world of Sacred Art, bringing premium, hands-on instruction to students of all skill levels. The art studio was originally built by the Enders family as a place for them to paint and was temporarily used as a chapel by the Emmundites, making it uniquely equipped for sacred art.
In addition to the beauty of the island, students will explore the role of art in prayer and catechesis and have daily opportunities for Holy Mass and Adoration.
One Day Sacred Art Template
Flexible Dates
Enders Island
At Enders Island, all of our workshops are grounded in the Theology of Sacred Art. Each class is specially designed to teach the history and techniques of the discipline in a way that is both accessible to the beginner and challenging for the experienced artist. All workshops are paced so that participants leave with a […]
Weeklong Sacred Art Template
Flexible Dates
At Enders Island, all of our workshops are grounded in the Theology of Sacred Art. Each class is specially designed to teach the history and techniques of the discipline in a way that is both accessible to the beginner and challenging for the experienced artist. All workshops are paced so that participants leave with a […]
The Idealized Portrait: A Sacred Art Workshop
With Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs
May 4 - 9, 2025
Enders Island
Discover the art of creating idealized portraits in this hands-on workshop! Combine elements from live models with your imagination, perfect for sacred and mythological themes. Beginners will use graphite, while more advanced artists can choose to work in oil. Enhance your portrait skills in a creative, guided environment.
Essentials of Iconography: Writing the Icon of King David
With Marek Czarnecki
May 18 - 23, 2025
Join us for a week-long workshop to create a stunning icon of King David, a revered figure in Christian tradition. Using traditional Russian Orthodox techniques, you’ll paint on a gessoed wood panel, mixing your own pigments and applying layers of color with care. This hands-on retreat offers expert guidance and time for reflection through art. All materials provided.
An Introduction to Drawing with Charcoal: A Sacred Art Workshop
With Mia Lang
May 25 - 30, 2025
Explore the art of creating compelling charcoal and graphite portraits that capture emotion and spirit. In this course, you’ll learn techniques to choose subjects that engage viewers, sketch figures accurately, highlight emotional expressions, and bring portraits to life through various charcoal and graphite methods. Perfect for aspiring artists seeking depth and impact.
Spiritual Journaling: Open the Heart with Sacred Art: A Sacred Art Workshop
With Sarah Cortez
May 25 - 30, 2025
Enders Island
Immerse yourself in a five-day retreat and writing class focused on spiritual journaling through sacred art. Drawing from Ignatian spirituality, this retreat invites you to connect with God, the Holy Trinity, and the saints through contemplation, writing, prayer, and reflection.
Art in Recovery through SoulCollage
With Sue Ellen Landwehr
June 7, 2025
Enders Island
Join us for a transformative day where art and recovery meet. Using mixed media techniques like collage, watercolor, and pen & ink, you’ll create a 12-step art journal that reflects your recovery journey. Guided by meditations and writing prompts, you’ll explore your path in a supportive and creative environment. All materials provided.
Painting on Stained Glass: A Sacred Art Workshop
With Fabio Pizzol
June 29 - July 4, 2025
Learn the timeless art of stained glass painting in this hands-on workshop! Discover the basics of glass cutting, mixing and applying glass pigments, and using silver stain. Create your own small artwork to take home as you master this beautiful technique. No experience necessary—just bring your creativity!
Panel Preparation and Gesso making for Egg Tempera and Icon Painters
With Marek Czarnecki
July 12, 2025
Enders Island
In this hands-on, one-day workshop, iconographer Marek Czarnecki will guide you through the traditional process of making true artist’s gesso. Learn to apply linen and build up multiple layers of gesso on a Baltic birch panel, preparing it for egg tempera painting. You’ll leave with a partially completed panel and the knowledge to finish it at home.
Classical Portrait Drawing: A Sacred Art Workshop
With Robert Armetta
August 3 - 8, 2025
Unlock the secrets of classical portrait drawing in this immersive workshop with Robert Armetta. Designed for all skill levels, you'll learn timeless techniques to create lifelike portraits. With personalized guidance, you'll refine your skills and gain valuable insights, making this week-long workshop an enriching experience for aspiring and experienced artists alike.
Praying with a Brush: A Sacred Art Workshop
With Marek Czarnecki
August 16, 2025
Enders Island
Praying With a Brush is a one-day workshop for iconographers to learn essential brush techniques. Practice calligraphic strokes, study icon structure, and explore tonal modeling using dry brush methods. While painting, deepen your spiritual practice with prayers, offering a profound connection between art and faith.
Crowned in Grace: A Sacred Art Journey into the Queenship of Mary: A Sacred Art Workshop
With Sister Mary Angelica, O.P.
August 17 - 22, 2025
In this sacred art class, you’ll explore the Queenship of Mary through still life painting, depicting sacred objects like crowns, roses, and the rosary. Each brushstroke becomes a prayer, honoring Mary’s sovereignty. Reflect on her role in your life, deepening both your artistic skill and spiritual devotion.
Plein Air Painting Workshop
With Dan DeLouise
August 30, 2025
Enders Island
Starting the day with a demonstration, we will evaluate how to develop a good composition, painting applications, the block-in, all the way to your finished work. Our talented instructor, Dan DeLouise, will then spend the afternoon individually with each student to help us to focus on painting "in and out of the light" quickly, so that we can better learn how to not to fall victim of "chasing the light" around the painting.
Nocturnal Plein Air Painting Workshop
With Dan DeLouise
September 12, 2025
Experience the Magic of Nocturnal Painting on Enders Island! Immerse yourself in an unforgettable night of plein air painting, where the historic Main House and the island’s serene coastal landscape come to life under the glow of moonlight. Your evening begins at dusk with preliminary sketches, focusing on composition and the shifting tones of twilight. […]
Plein Air Painting Workshop
With Dan DeLouise
September 13 - 14, 2025
Enders Island
Join us for a creative and inspiring day on Enders Island’s scenic grounds! Guided by artist Dan DeLouise, you’ll learn key painting techniques, focusing on light and shadow to capture compelling compositions. Open to all skill levels, this workshop includes Mass, personalized instruction, and a boxed lunch. Bring your own materials!
Finding Recovery Through Art
With Sue Ellen Landwehr
September 20, 2025
Enders Island
In this transformative workshop, you’ll explore mixed media techniques such as collage, watercolor, and pen and ink to create a personal 12-step art journal. Guided meditations, writing prompts, and a supportive atmosphere will help you express your journey and discover your unique artistic style. All materials provided; open to all.
Journaling to the Beloved: An Individual Guided Retreat
With Maureen O'Brien
September 21 - 24, 2025
This retreat offers guided journaling to deepen your relationship with God. Using themed prompts based on the Psalms, Miracles of Jesus, insights from saints, and spiritual writings, you’ll be inspired to write with truth and beauty. Whether new to journaling or experienced, find space for reflection and connection with the Beloved. A journal will be provided.
Essentials of Iconography: Writing the icon of Archangel Michael: A Sacred Art Workshop
With Marek Czarnecki
September 28 - October 3, 2025
Join us for a transformative icon painting workshop, where you’ll create a stunning shoulder-length depiction of St. Michael the Archangel. Using traditional techniques, you’ll mix your own paint, master calligraphic lines, and blend tones for a luminous result. All materials are provided—come deepen your skills and spirit!
Stained Glass: A Sacred Art Workshop
With Fabio Pizzol
October 19 - 24, 2025
Enders Island
Join master stained glass artist Fabio Pizzol for a hands-on, five-day workshop where you'll create your own stained glass window from start to finish. Whether you're a beginner or experienced artist, Fabio’s personalized guidance will help you craft stunning pieces while learning expert techniques. Don't miss this unique opportunity!
The Painted Page: A Sacred Art Workshop
With Rosemary Buczek
October 26 - 31, 2025
Immerse yourself in the ancient art of illuminated manuscripts with “The Painted Page” workshop. Focus on gilding, painting, and design techniques as you create sacred artwork inspired by Psalm 119:105. Guided by expert instruction, you’ll blend spirituality with artistry, crafting your own illuminated masterpiece.
Holy Family Watercolor Painting Class
With Kelly Schumacher
May 24 - 29, 2026
This workshop will be a four layer technique illustration of the Holy Family in watercolor. All materials and tools needed to complete an icon are provided. Students should arrive with basic brush skills, a familiarity with the color wheel, and some experience mixing colors.
Mastering Color in Soft Pastels
With Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs
July 12 - 17, 2026
Learn to master color using both the restricted palette of Velazquez and the luminous palette of Sorolla. Using soft pastels, this class will explore historic palettes and color theory, while challenging the student to see color accurately and apply it strategically. This week-long workshop begins with check-in at 4:30 PM on Sunday night. Dinner is […]
Immaculate Heart of Mary Oil Painting Workshop
With Ann Schmalstieg- Barrett
August 16 - 21, 2026
This workshop is a deep dive into the devotion of the Immaculate Heart of Mary through mediation and painting. The introductory lecture, entitled “The Blessed Virgin in Art: developing a Christocentric vision,” will provide a brief history of Marian art, as well as an invitation for artists to adopt the postures of Sts. John the Apostle and Mary Magdalene in their approach to the week. Working from a traditional print of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, artists will be guided to go beyond the modest source material by applying classical painting concepts, finishing with an archival painting that can be passed down to generations