Come. Create. Celebrate.

St. Francis’s vision of nature and creation affected early Renaissance artists who began incorporating scenes of the natural world into their work. The friars of our Province have a long history of celebrating and honoring the arts. We believe in the importance of art for our communities.

The campus at Mount Saint Francis, in Indiana, provides studio/gallery spaces and outdoor natural areas that lead to spiritual and creative encounters for people of all ages. At Holy Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park, NM, the annual Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts is eagerly awaited by artists and art enthusiasts.  The Franciscan Arts Initiative ensures that beauty and spirit brought to life through art continues to be honored and celebrated.

Make A Difference

Do you love art and artists? Music, painting, photography, and pottery? The Franciscan Arts Initiative is looking for volunteers!

Stay in touch with the latest Franciscan Arts Initiative Newsletter!

Need more information?

We would be happy to answer any questions you might have about the Franciscan Arts Initiative.

Follow Us!

Instagram

Featured Events

More Upcoming Events & Programs

Join in on the fun!

Painting Classes

Painting Classes Painting Classes at Mount Saint Francis Pump House Studio/Mount Saint Francis Sanctuary The Franciscan Arts Initiative is excited to offer painting classes…
Learn More

Pottery Classes

Pottery Classes Pottery Classes at Mount Saint Francis Mary Anderson Center Pottery Studio We are so excited to bring back pottery classes to the…
Learn More

Community Yoga at the Mount

Community Yoga at the Mount Community Yoga at Mount Saint Francis Please join us at Mount St Francis for a donation-based, all-levels yoga class…
Learn More

Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts

Holy Cross Retreat Center sponsors the Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts to promote appreciation for fine artists and their work. A committee approves all participants with a desire to present the highest quality arts. All proceeds from the Festival support the activities of the Retreat Center. This outdoor show features 80-90 artists who display a variety of fine arts, including paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, and more. The event features an enchilada dinner and other food, music, a raffle, and beer/wine.  Holy Cross Retreat Center opened its doors in 1957 as a desert oasis of prayer, personal growth, and hospitality near Las Cruces, NM.

Music at the Mount

For several years, annual Music at the Mount events have provided diverse outdoor music gatherings open to the community. As a fundraising event for the Mount St. Francis Center for Spirituality, Music at the Mount concerts feature well-known musicians and food, amidst beautiful surroundings. The Franciscan Arts Initiative continues to grow the commitment to and appreciation of music as art through summer/fall Music at the Mount outdoor events and through indoor music classes, choral recitals, and smaller, more intimate concerts.

Cultivate – Art, Music, and Nature Festival

We celebrated the first annual Cultivate: Art, Music and Nature Festival at Mount St. Francis, Indiana, on October 23, 2021! This regional event explores the relationship between nature, music, and the arts and how we can become more sustainable in our everyday lives. At Cultivate, we want to provide a sampling of how art and nature are intertwined, both important for bringing everyone together through a common appreciation and love for the planet and creative endeavors. We want to recognize each other as brothers and sisters, all of us responsible for “cultivating” awareness of how art and nature can provide hope and inspire positive change.

Menu
en_USEnglish