Hume Creative Arts Conference

MUSIC ・ VISUAL ARTS ・WRITING

October 24-27, 2024

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.

2024 Speakers Coming Soon!

2023 Keynote Speakers

Erik Thoennes

Erik Thoennes

Professor/Author

Thaddeus Williams

Professor/Author/Musician

Jerry Root

Jerry Root

Professor/Speaker/Author

2023 Worship Leaders

Mikey and Susan Portis

Mikey and Susan are a couple that love the Lord deeply and desire to make His name known. They serve on full-time staff at Hume Lake Christian Camps where Mikey works as a camp director and Susan works seasonally as a head lead counselor. Worship through music is something both Mikey and Susan are passionate about and desire to live out what the Word says in Ephesians 5:19, “Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”

2024 Workshop Presenters Coming Soon!

2023 Workshop Presenters

Norm Daniels

Artist

Ernie Zielsdorf

Graphic Designer

Joshua Smith

Photographer

Claire Bechert

Writer

Stay Tuned for 2024 Workshops

2023 Workshops

Presented by Bob Bennett

Jesus’ public messages were primarily in the form of “stories”. How have we somehow managed to mostly abandon that aspect of artistry in Church? I simply think this ought not to be. So as songwriters, how do we learn and improve? One answer is what I call the “Bank Teller School of Songwriting” … if you handle enough “genuine currency”, it becomes easier to tell the “real” from the “counterfeit”. This session will be a listening party of some songs I love (by others) with comments, discussion, and your questions.

Presented by Bob Bennett

Although inspiration is what most often leads us to begin writing a song, ruthless editing and attention to every detail is what usually turns a nice/sincere idea into a great song. In this session, I’ll be asking a few brave souls to trust me with their “creative babies” so we can learn and explore together what seems to be working and what might need to work a little better. Please bring a lyric sheet if you can. We’ll basically unpack my smart-aleck axiom: “When writing about the Sacred, nothing is sacred!”

Presented by Dr. Eric Thoennes

Erik Thoennes believes that play is a unique, God-given, universal, human experience that should be woven into all of life. This is true even in the midst of grief and pain because of the hope we have in Christ. In this session we will explore the biblical basis of play and seek greater discernment about the role of godly play in art, worship, and everyday life.

Presented by Claire Bechert

Some lives well-lived ought to be shared. They bear witness to the fact that God is at work in all times, in all places. Whether on paper or in film, these stories depict the reality of God’s existence, and His masterful use of our experiences and circumstances to show us Himself and make us more like Him. In this workshop, we will explore the process of telling the stories of others: where to begin, how to structure a narrative, how to navigate vulnerable spaces and care for others there, and center all of it on Jesus.

Presented by Dr. Thaddeus Williams

Join Dr. Thaddeus Williams as he discusses how the resurrection of Jesus ought to shape the Christian’s creative endeavors.

Presented by Justin Unger

In this workshop, Justin will unpack the discernment of understanding what IS and what ISN’T our role as worship leaders

Presented by Justin Unger

God’s Purpose and Design for the Gathering of the Saints

Presented by Justin Unger

In this workshop, Justin will teach on the implications of leading musical worship: The battle is real and you are on the front lines! Are you okay with that?

Presented by Joshua Smith

Long before digital cameras, photographers sat in darkrooms, waiting for their creative work to develop. The process was scientific and slow, and tiny errors could ruin the greatest potential. Many modern believers still sit in the dark, waiting…worried about mistakes and struggling to discover their potential. This workshop will shine light upon ideas of faith and creativity, while borrowing insights from the photographic process, to reveal a theology of art that can be applied to everyday challenges for Christian creatives. Our aim will be to develop an image for each artist that reflects the Creator’s hand in their unique work, craft and passions.

Presented by Jerry Root

Why do children say, “Read it again!” after a good bedtime story? Lewis says he thinks it is because the child came to love the world of the book and it awakens in them a longing for other worlds. Ultimately, the child’s heart begins, through the story, to long for the only ‘other’ world they can ever truly know; that is, they long for Heaven! The longing, awakened by the story, then enables the child, and the adult, to see this world is filled with people, places, beauty, and events of all shapes and sizes because God is always, lovingly wooing us to Himself. This breakout session will develop these themes further.

Presented by Ernie Zielsdorf

We will walk through the graphic design process, looking at things like: how to come up with concepts for a design, what are some good practices when choosing design for different products, and utilizing the gifts God gave you to create something for others. You will have the opportunity to be a part of the conceptual process with some “live designing” or just sit back and watch it unfold. And there will be plenty of Q&A time, so ask away!

Presented by Emily Marschner

What makes art “good”? How do we create art that’s not cliché? How do I become a successful artist? In this workshop, we’ll answer these questions by looking at the heart of Jesus and his encounter with a Samaritan woman. (Spoiler alert: many times Jesus answers a question with a better question.)

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 or purchase any supplies for this class as they will be provided for you.  Just come and have fun learning!

Presented by Norm Daniels and Sheryl Knight

This workshop will be co-taught by Norm Daniels and Sheryl Knight, both artists having years of experience painting en plein air. 

Plein Air painting is simply painting on location in any medium you choose. Painting from life is fun and exhilarating and the fastest way to improve your art, but mostly a way to be immersed in God’s beautiful creation. There will be demos by both artists to see their different styles and approaches to painting outdoors. There will be time to paint from life at the workshop and other times during the conference. A supply list will be furnished to those interested in this class. This workshop will be held out on the lawn in front of the lake, weather permitting with a backup plan in place if the weather is not conducive!  If you love painting or want to learn about painting, come and join us! 

Presented by Elisa Watson

No matter how free-spirited you are, an open-ended writing assignment— Write anything you want! — tends to be frustratingly uninspiring. The more details we add — a sonnet! about squirrels! — the more our creative juices start flowing. In this workshop we’ll explore the universal and counterintuitive truth that constraints cause creativity, and we’ll talk about how we can use that truth to improve our writing. 

Presented by Norm Daniels

In this workshop, we will discuss how the Eternal Unseen Creator influences our culture (art et al), and conversely how shutting Him off is just as strong an influence. 

Presented by Jen Schuler

In an era of increased isolation, loneliness, division, and the prevalence of shallow relationships, there is a desperate need for true connectedness and community. As we dwell in the land, whether in our churches, neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, or other places where we regularly intersect with others, how do we create a lifestyle of hospitality using the unique gifts God has given us to welcome strangers and to cultivate the kinds of connections that allow others to feel known and loved? How do we embrace a life that makes space for others? We will look at God’s heart for hospitality and community, share practical ideas, address hindrances to hospitality, and get a glimpse of the beauty of full-time life in the Hume Lake community in this conversation together. Weather permitting, this workshop will also include a short field trip!

Registration includes programming and meals

Register now to get $40 off with our Early Bird Pricing!

Lodging

$469 $429

Per Person

Lodging

$439 $399

Per Person

Lodging

$399 $359

Per Person

Bring your Own

$399 $359

Per Person

Self Provided Lodging

$369 $329

Per Person

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

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.

Questions?

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.

Norm Daniels

Speaker

In June of 1979 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

Ernie Zielsdorf

Speaker

Ernie has been living and working at Hume for the past 6 years doing design and working in marketing and retail.  Outside of the job, he loves creating, and his inspiration includes the outdoors, skate culture, nostalgia, music, pop culture, and Americana.  He also enjoys running, reading, board games, learning fun new things, and time with his wife, Morgan, and son, Forrest.  He is passionate about using his skills for the Lord and loves to cheer others on in their own creative pursuits.

Joshua Smith

Speaker

Joshua has over two decades of creative and branding experience with Christian organizations—beginning with 10 years at Hume Lake Christian Camps. He and his wife own Pillar Brands, a design and content marketing agency in Fresno (CA) where they serve national ministries and faith-based organizations. His longtime passion for photography has recently led to exciting adventures including worldwide travels, a fine art photography business & a teaching position at Fresno Pacific University.

Claire Bechert

Speaker

Claire works in international disaster relief and recovery, and has travelled to eight countries with Samaritan’s Purse since 2017. Her greatest joy has been witnessing Jesus’ love in action through the Church across the globe. She studied writing and international development at Biola University, enjoys telling a good story, and crafting a solid sentence. She and her husband Nick live in Boone, NC, where you can find them hiking, belting out Beatles hits, or playing games with friends.

Justin Unger

Speaker

Justin serves primarily as the Executive Director with Likewise Worship. 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. 

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.

Sheryl Knight

Speaker

Sheryl 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.

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 register@hume.org.

Pet/Animal Policy

No animals allowed except ADA-approved service animals.

We gladly welcome service animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Pets providing emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship are not recognized as service animals under ADA regulations.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at info@hume.org.

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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