Christianity and Creativity

Christianity & Creativity

April 17-19, 2026
with Dr. Jennifer Overkamp
A working retreat for Artists, Writers, and Crafters

The retreat will begin on Friday with an 8pm Rosary and Mass and conclude Sunday with Mass and noon lunch. This retreat balances contemplation with action, providing ample time for creative work on your own projects alongside periods of prayer, Mass, and reflection

God is the first Creator, the divine Artist who spoke beauty into existence and fashioned humanity in His own image—making each of us participants in the ongoing work of creation. This unique working creative retreat invites authors and artists, scrapbookers and crafters, sewers and all creative souls to explore the profound connection between faith and artistic expression.

Dr. Jennifer Overkamp will explore creativity not as a luxury or extra talent, but as a divine birthright—part of what it means to be a beloved child of God. Through engaging talks and dedicated creative work time, discover how God invites us to share in making the world more beautiful, more virtuous, and more filled with truth.

The retreat will include talks on making/creating and Christianity, short activities to spark creativity, practical strategies for overcoming creative blocks, and ample time for both reflection and work on your personal project(s). Dr. Overkamp will be available for one-on-one conversations about your work and your creative journey.

All skill levels and creative disciplines are welcome. Artists, scrapbookers and crafters will bring their own supplies. Indoor and outdoor spaces, tables and drop clothes are provided. (Unfortunately, we may not have enough indoor space for quilt frames.)

Come create alongside fellow artists of faith and rediscover your divine birthright as a maker fashioned in the image of the ultimate Maker.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House offers a sanctuary of prayer and recollection on a spacious acreage near Waverly. There are 50 single rooms, each with a private bath.

We want our retreats to be accessible to everyone, please consider an additional donation, or contact the Retreat House to inquire about financial assistance or if your parish pays part of the cost. If the retreat you’re interested in is full, contact us to be put on a waiting list. A few double rooms are available upon request. Airport transportation to/from LNK or OMA is also available upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Christianity & Creativity retreat

How much space will each retreatant have available for projects?
You’ll have a 6-foot table reserved for you, plus the individual rooms have small desks where you can work if you prefer to be by yourself. If your work is portable and can be done outside, there will be outdoor tables and you may also use the retreat house grounds.

My projects aren’t really creative. I’m just following a pattern or a set of instructions. May I come anyway?
Yes! But please know: your work is creative. You are creating something that wouldn’t exist without your time, effort, and diligence.  You are very welcome.

Is it a silent retreat?
For the most part, yes. There will be some short, fun group activities to help get your creative juices flowing, but working time will be quiet. The idea is that whatever conversation you’re having with God will be uninterrupted.  It’s a kind of meditative silence.  If you usually work with music, you’ll want to bring earbuds so you don’t disturb the other retreatants.

My art/craft/writing doesn’t have a Christian theme.  Will the retreat still work for me?
Yes, please join us!  The retreat explores creativity in all of its many forms.

My art form is messy. I’d love to come, but I’m not sure what I’m doing is compatible with the new carpet and flooring at the Retreat House.
Please email us at office@olgcretreat.org and let’s see what we can do. We’ll certainly try to accommodate you if we can.

Will the retreat have Mass, Confession, and adoration?
Yes, definitely! This is a Catholic retreat with the option of Mass, Confession, and adoration available, although those of other faiths are welcome to join.

(Due to the in-person nature of this working artistic retreat, there is no online option.)