God of the Desert: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

The Glen Workshop, sponsored by Image journal, is an innovative and enriching program, combining the best elements of a workshop, an arts festival, and a conference. Add to this the intimate setting at St. John's College and the rich cultural, spiritual, and natural resources of northern New Mexico and the result is an unforgettable experience. Daily classes are taught by nationally known authors and artists, and are small enough to allow the faculty to give close attention to each participant—to beginners as well as those advanced in their craft. The Glen also offers a retreat option for those who wish to join us for meals, readings, and worship, but prefer to spend mornings working, exploring the area, or in contemplation, instead of attending a workshop. Like its sponsor, Image, the Glen is grounded in a Christian perspective, but its tone is informal and hospitable to all spiritual wayfarers.

The Glen Workshop combines an intensive learning experience with a lively festival of the arts. Each participant selects either a workshop or the retreat option. Workshops are held concurrently each morning. Afternoons and evenings feature readings, lectures, and concerts. Each day will conclude with a worship service incorporating the arts.

The theme for the week, "God of the Desert," will provide a focal point for discussion. There is perhaps no more urgent issue in the world today than the continuing tensions among the three Abrahamic faith traditions, the "Peoples of the Book." A huge amount has been said about this topic, primarily in political and theological terms. But what might the perspectives of literature and art bring to this fraught discussion? All three traditions revere the Word, and all-in their different ways-believe that one of God's names is Beauty. To enter into such an exploration is inherently risky, but faith itself calls us to undertake such risks. Without seeking to blur the distinctiveness of any tradition, we nonetheless hope that our conversations this week will enable us to find the places where art can help us rediscover our common humanity.

Writing classes combine general instruction and discussion with the workshop experience, in which each individual's works are read and discussed critically. In the visual arts classes, students create new work while also receiving individual and general instruction. For those seeking a non-workshop class solely devoted to study and discussion, we offer a seminar called "Peoples of the Book" led by Rodger Kamenetz. Participants will explore through in-class discussion and readings how the three Abrahamic faiths approach the texts and stories of Scripture. Free time (including a free day) offer all participants opportunities for conversation, hiking, visiting the many museums, galleries, and sights in and around Santa Fe, and exploring the stunning scenery around the St. John's campus. Here in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, you will encounter a stimulating and inspiring environment saturated with the spirituality of Hispanic and Native American cultures.

Faculty and Classes for 2007

Poetry

Scott Cairns, Daniel Tobin

Fiction

Moira Crone

Spiritual Writing

Ann McCutchan

Playwriting/Screenwriting

Mark St. Germain

Seminar: Peoples of the Book

Rodger Kamenetz

Drawing from Life

Barry Moser

Calligraphy

Timothy Botts

Mosaic

Ginger Geyer

Songwriting

Over the Rhine

Musician-in-Residence

Pierce Pettis