God desires that we come to know him more deeply and appreciate his work through creation. Join us for a plein air (outdoors) creative session on the beautiful monastery grounds. Part of our time will be spent outdoors to explore the grounds and find a spot to which you feel particularly drawn. Once you have found your place, you will have time to create a rough sketch of the scene you wish to paint. We will then gather again inside to complete the work in watercolor, with special attention given to light and its effects on the scene. Basic instruction will be provided for sketching and the use of watercolor. Please note you will need to bring your own folding chair/stool to sit on outside.

Please register by August 25. Once we have received your registration, we will send you an invoice for the retreat. Please know we have scholarships available; if you would like to make a request, email S. Carol Ann at sophia@mountosb.org. We strongly encourage you to add sophia@mountosb.org to your email contacts to ensure the delivery of emails regarding your retreat. 

Rev. Mary Donovan is a retired teacher and administrator from the New York City school system, a wife and mother, and a Benedictine oblate affiliated with Mount St. Scholastica monastery in Atchison, Kansas. After graduating from Bishop Kemper School for Ministry, she was ordained an Episcopal priest in January 2021 and was assigned as Curate for the Canterbury Houses at Kansas University and Kansas State. Mary has guided a number of workshops and retreats at Keeler Women’s Center in Kansas City, Kansas., and Sophia Spirituality Center in Atchison.