Franciscan Arts Initiative

06/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us this weekend for Introduction to Pastels Workshop with artist Gary Edward Jennings. This hands-on course invited participants to discover the beauty and versatility of pastels while exploring blending, layering, and composition. With Gary’s guidance, guests at this sold-out workshop had the opportunity to learn in an encouraging, creative atmosphere and leave with a completed piece of their own.

Looking for more opportunities to create, learn, and be inspired? View our upcoming Franciscan Arts Initiative classes and events here: www.franciscansusa.org/franciscan-arts-initiative

05/20/2026

Join us for a great day! June 6th, 11-8 pm. Arts, crafts, food and live music.

04/27/2026

Interested in art, storytelling, and welcoming others into meaningful conversation? Join us for a Docent Training Session on Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. in the Mary Anderson Gallery at Mount Saint Francis.

Led by art educator Andrew Hardin, this interactive session is for anyone interested in helping welcome visitors and invite engaging conversation around the artwork on display. A potluck lunch will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the Pump House.

Sign-up here:

The Franciscan Arts Initiative invites current and prospective docents to an interactive Docent Training Session on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Mary Anderson Gallery at Mount Saint Francis Center for Spirituality.

04/15/2026

Calling all artists, entertainers and nonprofits! Applications are open for MountFest on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Register here: https://mountsaintfrancis.org/mountfest-artist-application

Join us for a full day of art, live entertainment, food trucks, local beer and wine, games, and community fun. Applications and booth payments are due by May 15. We would love to have you be part of this special day at Mount Saint Francis Center for Spirituality!

04/09/2026

The opening reception of Pax Rwanda: Embroideries of the Women of Savane Kabuye opens in 2 weeks at the Mary Anderson Gallery. This is a traveling exhibition of collaborative textile works created by Rwandan women impacted by the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsis. In this podcast, exhibition curator, Juliana Meehan, describes the exhibit, how she met collective founder Christiane Rwagatare, and how they have been able to bring this collection to the United States. It is a moving conversation that offers deeper insight into an exhibition shaped by memory, resilience, and the healing power of art.

The Mount St. Francis Mary Anderson Gallery will be hosting embroideries from the Pax Rwanda collection from April 23 through May 22. The curator of the collection, Juliana Meehan, will be at the gal

03/02/2026

The opening reception for We Remember: Spiritual Reflections, Visions and Meditations was held Saturday at the Mary Anderson Gallery. The exhibition runs through April 18 and is open Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., and Thursdays from 4–7 p.m. Join us for Artist Talk for We Remember: Spiritual Reflections, Visions and Meditations to hear more about the artists and the inspiration for their work.

02/27/2026

Tonight! Join us in the Chapel at Mount Saint Francis Center for Spirituality for Voices of the Violin with Aaron Boaz, an intimate, genre-blending concert that celebrates the violin’s full expressive range. This concert will be held in the Mount Saint Francis Chapel beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available here:

Voices of the Violin with Aaron BoazAn Evening of Music and European-Style Apéritif February 27, 2026 | 7:00 pm Mount Saint Francis Chapel

02/25/2026

Discover the beauty of Claude Monet’s “Waterlilies” in our next Painting with the Padre sessions! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just curious, all are welcome to join us for an evening of creativity, color, and community. Let’s paint, connect, and celebrate together. Reserve your spot here:

Painting with the Padre The Illuminated Heart: Impressions of Color and LightMonthly Paint-and-Sip Series │ Hosted by Fr. Vince Petersen Waterlilies – Claude Monet March 6, 2026 | 6:00-9:00 pm

02/19/2026

Join us on February 28 from 4-6 p.m. in the Mary Anderson Gallery for the opening reception of "We Remember: Spiritual Reflections, Visions and Meditations." This collaborative exhibition invites viewers to pause, reflect, and become more aware of the spiritual dimension of daily life through works by artists Rosie Fedorchuk, Beth Ettensohn, and Debbie Graviss. Learn more about the exhibition and RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hks5aEwHL/

02/17/2026

Discover the vibrant world of watercolor painting with renowned artist John Florence in this Tuesday Night Watercolor Painting class beginning February 24. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this class is open to all levels! Learn more or sign-up here:

Discover the vibrant world of watercolor painting with renowned artist John Florence. With a passion ignited during his college years, John has honed his skills with a particular focus on wildlife art. His dedication deepened after attending a transformative painting workshop in North Carolina in 20...