Hume Creative Arts Conference

MUSIC ・ VISUAL ARTS ・WRITING

October 16-19, 2025

Cultivating the arts and supporting artists who are putting their hands to work for the glory of God

A place for artists, musicians, storytellers, and creators to gather together and cultivate their creative gifts, to encourage one another, and be newly equipped to illuminate the world with the goodness, truth, and beauty of Jesus.

2025 Speakers Coming Soon!

2024 Speakers

Terry Glaspey bio picture

Terry Glaspey

Author
Speaker

Donna Thoennes

Professor
Speaker

Titania Paige bio picture

Titania Paige

Author
Singer
Songwriter

Erik Thoennes bio picture

Erik Thoennes

Professor
Speaker
Author

Nathan Engelhardt bio picture

Nathan Engelhardt

ANIMATOR

Norm Daniels

ARTIST

Leah Petersen

ARTIST

Jeremy Spears bio picture

Jeremy Spears

STORYBOARDER

WOODWORKER

Liz Hetzel bio picture

Liz Hetzel

Storyteller
Choreographer

 

Martha Irvine

Vocal Coach

Sheryl Knight

ARTIST

Charlie March bio picture

Charlie March

CARPENTER

AUTHOR

Justin Unger

Worship Pastor

Walter Harrah bio picture

Walter Harrah

Musician

Special Guest

Thomas Austin bio picture

Thomas Austin

Musician

2025 Workshops Coming Soon!

2024 Workshops

Presented by Terry Glaspey

In this workshop, creators will take part in finding ways to avoid cliches and be more effective in communicating their faith.

Presented by Terry Glaspey

This workshop is a celebration of our Christian heritage in the arts, with lots of images of art, music clips, and film clips.

Presented by Donna Thoennes

Trees fascinate. They turn our eyes heavenward and, if we slow down, cause us to wonder. In this session we will foster greater awe over God’s creation of trees and consider what the Bible has to say about their significance for our spiritual well-being.

Presented by Norm Daniels 

Using “toons” to tell stories, take notes, journal life and smile.  

What to bring: 
Sketch book (brown or gray tone paper is cool) 
Mechanical pencil  
Ink pen 
White ink pen or white lead pencil (If you sketch on toned paper) 
Creative ideas and a story to tell. 

Presented by Titania Paige

When Titania opened her home for monthly faith and arts gatherings, she didn’t know what to expect. One year and a flourishing community later, she can’t imagine creating without her new family. Join her as she shares her story of how God helped her create a space for local artists to serve and bloom where they’re planted, along with some practical steps to help you do the same. You might just find that you already have everything you need to make it happen! 

Presented by Charlie March

In this workshop we will look through Biblical texts to understand and establish our creative natures in the Word of God. We will explore the plumb line metaphor as well as look unto Jesus of Nazareth, the tekton-craftsman.

Presented by Charlie March

What are you making? Why are you making it? What is your purpose as a maker? We will look to answer these questions through Biblical and literary texts as well as Biblical architecture. We will also explore the creative transference between God and man in the designing and building process of the Tabernacle and Temple.  

Presented by Liz Hetzel

Join this unique workshop fusing movement and worship. Delve into various Biblical texts, as Liz guides you through a transformative experience of dance and reflection. All abilities are welcome, creating a sacred space for the exploration of spirituality through the art of movement. Comfortable clothes and shoes are suggested. 

Presented by Liz Hetzel

Unlock the art of verbal storytelling with our workshop inspired by the master storyteller himself—JesusJust as Jesus used stories to influence those around him, you can use your stories to inspire people toward faith and love. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your storytelling skills and leave a lasting impression on your audience

Presented by Norm Daniels and Sheryl Knight

Oil painting has often been called the King of Mediums in the art world, and it has been around for hundreds of years. It is a medium consisting of pigments suspended in drying oils. It is unique among fluid painting mediums because it can be opaque or transparent and also have the ability to vary in texture. It can be painted in one application or in many layers over time. This class is being offered to beginners in oil painting, but it will be great for intermediate painters too.  We can never stop learning and growing. This class will also better prepare you for painting outdoors on location (en plein air) as you better understand the basics of oil painting.  Oil Paints can be muddy and intimidating, but once you discover the manner to apply them, the more you will see how wonderfully forgiving and fun they can be. Be patient, this will take some time. 

Norm and Sheryl have been both been painting in oil for decades and are happy to share what they have learned over the years. Although some of their techniques and styles may vary from each other, they both share the love of oil painting as a medium of choice.

Presented by Sheryl Knight

In this workshop we will be learning to paint with gouache, an amazing medium that offers unique textures and vibrant colors. Gouache has been around for centuries, but has become increasingly popular as a medium for artists in the last few years. It is easy and fun, often described as an opaque watercolor. Having painted with both mediums I find gouache has many advantages and is easy to learn.  It is water-based, opaque, it can be layered, and it requires minimal supplies. My primary medium of choice is oil, so I find gouache very compatible for quick studies. You will not need to bring any supplies for this class as they will be provided for you. Just come and have fun learning! This workshop is not just for beginners – all are welcome!

Presented by Walt Harrah and Justin Unger

Walt and Justin welcome you into their songwriting process as they write a new song together live in this workshop. Join them in this interactive process and learn from their creative collaboration. 

Presented by Leah Petersen

In this introductory class, learn the fundamentals of carving a linocut, a centuries old relief-printmaking technique, and explore printing by hand. While materials and tools have changed over the centuries, the general technique of carving away negative space to create a raised image has remained the same. Walk away with a small edition of a simple mono color print, and the knowledge to continue making prints on your own! Printmaking is a fun and messy business so dress accordingly. No prior experience needed! If you have a design in mind for your print please bring it with you but if you need ideas, there will be designs available to copy and use.

Presented by Martha Irvine

It’s common for singers to carry stress and tension in their voices! Holding tension in the wrong places for too long restricts our singing – limiting power, range, and volume. This workshop, suitable for all experience levels, will use a blend of movement and vocal exercises to help you pinpoint and release tension. You’ll learn effective techniques to reset your voice, ease strain, and sing with enhanced freedom, so you can fully express the song that God has given you to sing!

Presented by Martha Irvine

Did you know that God has crafted each of our voices uniquely, offering us powerful tools to express and communicate the Gospel? Join us for an interactive workshop designed for vocalists of all levels. You’ll gain insights into harmonizing, blending voices in groups, and experimenting with your own vocal tone. Learn how to adapt your voice for different styles and bring a new level of authenticity to your singing.

Presented by Nathan Engelhardt

Come hang out with a Disney animator and watch him animate live! In this interactive workshop, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the craft, the process, the animation industry, or even how a Christian navigates the film and television world, all while watching Nathan animate. 

Presented by Jeremy Spears from the Whittle Woodshop

Let’s take a photographic adventure around the lake, finding stories to tell through the lens. Bring your camera (or just a phone!) and we’ll try some fun techniques to better tell your story. I’ll provide some woodcarving figurines for us to use during the workshop.  

Check out Jeremy’s work at whittlewoodshop.com or on Instagram @whittlewoodshop

Presented by Walt Harrah and Justin Unger

1 Corinthians 14:13 says, “I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.” In this workshop, Walt and Justin will unpack this verse and what it means to lead people in worship.

Registration includes programming and meals

Register by April 18 to get $40 off with our Early Bird Pricing!

Lodging

$484 $444

Per Person

Lodging

$454 $414

Per Person

Lodging

$414 $374

Per Person

Bring your Own

$404 $364 

Per Person

Self Provided Lodging

$384 $344

Per Person

*If registering as an individual, after you click the “Register” button, click the “Register My Family” option on the next page.*

Single Occupancy can be requested for an additional $50/per night.

(Based on availability and not guaranteed)

Need Financial Help?

We know things are tough, so we’ve made scholarships available for every guest that needs them.
You can apply for a Campership in the registration process online.

DELUXE

The Hotel Experience

Single Occupancy for Added Fee

Standard

The Dorm Experience

minimum of 8 guests required

Economy

The Camp Experience

minimum Requirement varies depending on cabin size

Event Only

No Housing Cost Added

IMPORTANT
Some older mapping services will suggest you take the 245. It is a curvy, winding road that will take you at least an additional hour. DO NOT take 245!

Check in starts at 3:00 PM the first day of the retreat.

You need to be checked out of your lodging by 11:00 AM the last day of the retreat.

We provide:

Dinner the first day of the retreat

All meals each full day of the retreat

Breakfast and lunch the last day of the retreat

We do not offer free guest WiFi at this point in time. We do offer Internet for a fee; however, the speeds here are not fast. Purchase at your own risk.

Yes, there is a non-refundable and non-transferrable deposit of $100 per person due at the time of registration.

At the time of cancellation, your non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of $100 will be forfeited.

At this time, we do not have an electric charging station at Hume or outlets available for charging vehicles. We encourage you to fully charge your electric vehicle before heading up the mountain.

Questions?

  • Contact Us

Do you prefer the phone?

Call our Hume Information team
 1 (559) 305-7770

Dr. Erik Thoennes

Speaker

Erik Thoennes is a Professor of Theology at Biola University and a pastor at Grace EVFree, La Mirada. He was voted Professor of the Year twice and was awarded the Faculty Excellence Award by his colleagues at Biola University. He is the author of “Life’s Biggest Questions: What the Bible Says About the Things that Matter Most,” and “Biblical and Theological Studies: A Student’s Guide,” Erik and his wife Donna have four children and love the people and ministry of Hume Lake!

Thaddeus Williams

Speaker

Thaddeus Williams (Ph.D., Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam) serves as professor of theology for Biola University. He is also the author of the best-seller Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth and Don’t Follow Your Heart. He has also taught Philosophy and Literature at Saddleback College, Jurisprudence at Trinity Law School, Worldview at L’Abri Fellowships in Switzerland and Holland, and Ethics for the Federalist Society in Washington D.C.

Jerry Root

Speaker

Dr. Jerry Root is professor emeritus at Wheaton College, as well as a visiting professor at Biola University, Talbot Graduate School of Theology, and Moody Bible Institute teaching C. S. Lewis courses at all three schools. For over forty-one years, Dr. Root has lectured on C.S. Lewis topics at 78 universities in 18 countries. He is the author of numerous C.S. Lewis focused books, articles and publications. He is married to Claudia Root and together they have four married children and 15 grandchildren.

Terry Glaspey

Speaker

Terry Glaspey (@terryglaspey) is the author of over a dozen books including Discovering God Through the Arts, 75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know, Not a Tame Lion: The Life and Legacy of C.S. Lewis, and the Prayers of Jane Austen. He has won awards from Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition and the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Glaspey is a professor at Northwind Theological Seminary, teaching courses in The Arts and Spiritual Formation and studies of C.S. Lewis and the Inklings.

Donna Thoennes

Speaker

Dr. Donna Thoennes formerly served on faculty at Biola University for 12 years in the Torrey Honors Institute and currently serves as an adjunct professor. She loves being married to Erik who teaches theology at Biola and serves on the pastoral staff at Grace Evangelical Free Church. Erik and Donna have four children, ages 16-22, who were adopted from Taiwan and China. She spends her days teaching at church, Biola, and home and helping her precious ones “taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Titania Paige

Speaker

Titania Paige is the founder of the Lamp Burners’ Guild (@lampburnersguild)–A backyard faith and arts community gathering artists, storytellers, musicians, and creatives to inspire hope and awaken wonder as we await Christ’s return. To bring God’s beauty to her hometown of Memphis, TN, she and her family open their home monthly for a potluck, art showcase, and training from local artists. A designer by day and a Bible teacher and song-writer by night, she’s just doing her best and trusting God with the results.

Nathan Engelhardt

Speaker

Nathan Engelhardt (@nathan.engelhardt) is a supervising animator for Walt Disney Animation Studios. He was born and raised in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago and attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Animation. He has animated many Disney movies, including Wreck it Ralph, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, Frozen 2, Encanto, and many more. He is currently working on a short animated film which was inspired by the Gospel. Nathan and his wife Julie live in Los Angeles with their four delightful kids.

Norm Daniels

Speaker

In June of 1979 Norm (@barefoot_norm) moved to Hume Lake with his wife, Patsy where he became a full-time camp artist and designer. In 2005 Norm and his family moved back to their original roots in San Diego to take the position of Executive Director at Pine Valley Bible Conference Center. After a series of small strokes Norm retired from camping and took up painting full-time. You can find his art at Tabora Gallery in Waikiki; Birds Surf Shed in San Diego; Playa O’este in Rincon P.R. and … the trunk of his car.

Instagram: @normhere

Leah Petersen

Speaker

Leah (@inkwoodandfire) has had an artistic bent since childhood and views creating art as a way that she is an image bearer of God. She studied art at Biola University. As an artist Leah has most recently focused on colored pencil drawing and relief printing, particularly tree ring prints. She loves being outdoors and enjoying the amazing beauty where she lives in the mountains of California. Leah is married to her talented husband Brian, a filmmaker and photographer, and together they have six kids.

Instagram: @inkwoodandfire

Jeremy Spears

Speaker

Jeremy Spears (@whittlewoodshop) is an Annie Award Winning Story Artist at the Walt Disney Animation Studios. His latest projects at Disney include Wish, Encanto, Zootopia and Wreck-it Ralph. He is also the owner of the Whittle Woodshop, where he enjoys designing and creating passion projects in his free time. He is currently working on a short film project meant to reflect the light of Christ’s love for us into this world. He lives in the Central Coast of California with his wife Lisa and 4 children.

Liz Hetzel

Speaker

Liz Hetzel oversees Creative Worship and Arts at Fullerton Free Church. More than 27 years of being a Disneyland performer has deepened her understanding of storytelling’s ability to fuel transformation. Her skills in verbal storytelling have been honed by her educational training in screenwriting, creative writing, and TV/Film production. Liz is passionate about how storytelling and dance are powerful tools for expressing one’s faith and connecting with God.

Martha Irvine

Speaker

Martha Irvine (@worshipvoicecoach) is the Director of Voice Coaching for Likewise Worship. With a graduate degree in Contemporary and Commercial Voice Pedagogy, over 20 years of worship leadership, and over a decade teaching voice, Martha is a self-professed voice nerd. Her teaching, shaped by personal voice injury experience, empowers singers with techniques for vocal freedom, helping them find their unique God-given voices.

Sheryl Knight

Speaker

Sheryl (@sheryl_knight_fine_art) is an award-winning plein air artist painting primarily in oil, but also in gouache. She is honored to have earned the status of Signature Member in five national art organizations. Known for her expressive style and vibrant yet tranquil color palette, her passion and joy is to reflect the beauty of God’s creation and to bless others with it. She and her family have been a part of the Hume Community for many years. For more information please visit her website is www.sherylknight.com.

Charlie March

Speaker

Charlie comes from a 30-year residential carpentry career, has an MA in Biblical Studies, and a PhD in late-Roman architecture and archaeology. He is the author of A Carpenter’s View of the Bible, which fulfilled a twenty-five-year vision of God as builder, designer-artisan, fittingly written by one of his children with that bent to their nature. It discusses Jesus, the tekton at Nazareth, biblical cities, their architectural elements, and the people who built and lived in them.

Justin Unger

Speaker

Justin serves primarily as the Executive Director with Likewise Worship (@likewiseworship). He is a pastor of pastors and has a heart to disciple, equip and encourage both young and seasoned worship leaders that are called to serve the local church.Passionate about unifying the Body of Christ with the gift of music, he has learned to stand firm amidst the cultural and traditional challenges that many churches face in regard to worship. He is married to his wife Falon, and they have 4 beautiful children. 

Walter Harrah

Speaker

After his training in classical church music at USC, Walter Harrah became a Screen Actors Guild singer for four decades, joining the Oscar choir, singing for Adele, Roy Rogers, the Carpenters, Bob Dylan, and Paul McCartney. He is currently the worship elder at Grace EV Free Church in La Mirada. Walt’s current passion is reviving the hymn form, writing lyrics that express the beauty of the gospel truth to a new generation, while still ensuring that the hymns of old are not completely abandoned.

Laura Love

Speaker

Laura Love is an introverted homeschool mom of five who often feels torn between her need for community and her need for quiet, both in creative endeavors and in life. Her creativity comes in the forms of homemaking, juggling impossible schedules, finding beauty in the ordinary, and writing poetry, which she is even learning to share sometimes.

Elisa Watson

Speaker

Elisa loves words the way toddlers love toys – she admires them, wants to accumulate them, likes playing with them, shows them off to other people (who may or may not think they’re nearly as interesting as she does), and gets irrationally upset when someone misuses them. She likes to read words as well as write them, and is always delighted to find other people who feel the same. She and her husband Todd live in Gilbert, AZ, where they are raising four articulate and semi-well-read sons.

www.elisajoyful.com

Bob Bennett

Speaker

No flurry of superlatives here, just a brief self-introduction. Playing, singing, making up songs from age ten (58 years ago) with twelve solo albums since 1979. Still doing concerts, services, and (as here) retreats. I hope I can encourage you, equip you a bit, and strongly reassure you that artistry in the orbit of the Church is necessary, honorable work. I’m not going to last forever, so I want you take my job and do it well! I look forward to being with you all.

Jen Schuler

Speaker

Jen is passionate about cultivating community and knowing the hearts of those around her, and tries to live life in a way that invites people in. Her absolute favorite is deep conversation of the heart at her kitchen counter while she bakes or cooks. Though not a traditional “creative,” she is enamored with other people’s talents and delights to celebrate them! Jen and her husband, Joel, have served at Hume Lake for 21 years and have the joy of raising three kiddos in this sweet community.

Thomas Austin

Speaker

Thomas Austin is a theo-folk singer and writer who really doesn’t like writing about himself in the third person, but here he is, doing it anyway. He has released two EPs, Indiana and Evergreen, and one full-length album, Eternal Life, which you can find anywhere music is streamed, sold, or held ransom. He lives in Nashville with his wife Skye. He enjoys playing concerts at churches, venues, and even houses (he does this often and it’s less weird than you think).

Deluxe Lodging

The Hotel Experience

Single Occupancy for Added Fee

Standard Lodging

The Dorm Experience

minimum of 8 guests required

Economy Lodging

The Camp Experience

minimum Requirement varies depending on cabin size

RV Site

RV Sites

Bring Your Own
Home-On-Wheels

Adult Retreats

Event-only Lodging

No housing cost will be added to your event fees

Deposit and cancellation policy – ADult/Family Retreats

Deposits for Adult/Family Retreats
  1. Deposit is $100 per spot
  2. All remaining payments are due 2 weeks (14 days) prior to your date of arrival for your retreat.
Cancellations for Adult/Family Retreats
  1. If a spot is cancelled, the $100 deposit put down at the time of registration is forfeited.
  2. We offer a 100% refund for cancellations directly related to COVID-19 infection.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected].

Pet/Animal Policy

For visitors and guests at Hume, no pets or animals are allowed in Hume housing or buildings. While Hume understands the benefit of service & support animals, our unique housing and locations are incompatible with service animals

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected].

Hume Christian Camps and Retreats

Join us for an amazing

Summer at Hume

We’ve opened our lodges and cabins to families and couples! Come up the mountain to worship, hear the Word, and spend time playing together in God’s creation. It’s the best place to be this summer!

Virtual Summer Camp 2020

Missing camp? Try our

Virtual Camp

We’re bringing Hume to you! With chapels hosted by our Camp Directors, you’ll get to participate in worship, play “virtual Rec” games, watch theme videos, and hear from Hume speakers. You don’t want to miss this!

We need help this summer!

Volunteer

As you know, things are a bit different at Hume this summer. The good news? The Lord has made it possible for us to shine His light in some wonderful ways, and we really need your help to make it happen!

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