Art & Spirituality Retreat – March 14, 2026

Join artist and spiritual director Lauren Bleam as you are guided through a relaxing meditation on a poem. A reflective prompt will be provided, and participants will take time to journal and consider what the poem awakens in them. That will be followed by a demonstration of embroidery techniques. Participants will have time to create unique embroidered cards or hoops and share with the group. Finally, there will be an open studio time from 2-4 p.m. in which participants can work on projects that they bring with them, or create new artworks using the provided materials.

The retreat begins at 9am on Saturday, breaks for noon prayers and lunch, and then continues in the creative experience in the afternoon ending around 4pm.

Facilitator Lauren Bleam is an artist and creative educator. She is also the owner of Awake Arts, a small business that focuses on the intersections between art, healing, and community. She uses creativity, reflection, and whimsy to help people stay present to their lives.

The suggested donation is $75 which includes lunch and all supplies. Reduced and pay-it-forward rates are also available. Questions? Contact Rev. Sheryl Johnson (sjohnson@richmondhillva.org, 804-783-7903).