Praying in Color*

*This class is a 1.5 – 2 hour class based on the book, Praying in Color, by Sybil MacBeth. Participants get a packet of information including how to doodle, a feelings wheel, and two original drawings from me – a coloring page to organize their thoughts as well as a page of “doodle prayers”. We cover 5-6 methods of “praying in color”: starting with God, praying for others, color studies, lament/gratitude, and drawing Scripture. After 15-20 minutes of instruction, participants are given paper and art materials to begin creating their own art. The essence of this time is really to teach participants how to interact with God in prayer beyond just using words, but really expressing their feelings, losses, joys, desires on paper. Artwork created is unique to each person, and the finished product is not the main goal of our time, but rather giving participants a “prayer closet” (blank paper), to sit with God and pour out their hearts. After about 45 minutes to create, we wrap up with an optional sharing time and closing prayer. *(The title “Praying in Color” belongs to Sybil MacBeth).

I enjoy taking notes, writing, and journaling when I pray – but I will never go back and look at it. When using Praying with Color, I can doodle and make art while I pray; incorporating words, thoughts, and vivid imagery into my worship. God created all of his people with different skills, different ideas, and different ways of communication. He wants to hear from us, and this was a wonderful thing for me to learn. I love my praying doodles so much that occasionally I will make prints of them and hang them around the house or give them as gifts. 

—Emily, class participant in 2025

Julia is an excellent teacher.  She provided lots of colorful materials which were so fun to use!  Then she encouraged us to visualize our prayers…..a creative, meaningful way to express our hearts to God.

—Eunice, class participant in 2025

“Beautifully Blended” (Visual Affirmation)

This class is a 1.5 – 2 hour class to explore the power of affirming one’s skin color and strengths. (I originally taught this class as a Teaching Artist for Roots, an organization within FirstUp, dedicated to helping parents and caregivers help their children to develop a positive racial identity about themselves.) Participants are given a packet of information including a feelings wheel, a list of positive affirmations, how to doodle, and a coloring page. The class originally had three project options: tracing their hand and adding words of affirmation around it, working on a coloring page, or making a collage. To draw their hands, participants are given “Colors of the World” Crayola crayons to find a close match to their actual skin tone, as well as lots of other art materials to work with. After about 20 minutes of instruction, participants have 45 minutes to create, and then an optional sharing time to conclude. “Beautifully Blended” could be adapted to suit the needs of a different audience if appropriate and different concepts other than skin color could be emphasized, too.

(Please contact me to discuss costs, supplies, space, and group size.)