Franciscan Life Process Center

Touched by Mercy Retreat
2025-03-01 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Franciscan Life Process Center – Lowell Campus, 11650 Downes St. NE, Lowell, MI, 49331
The Franciscan Life Process Center invites all who have been affected by suicide to attend the Touched by Mercy Retreat on March 1, 2025, from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Franciscan Life Process Center, Lowell Campus, 11650 Downes St. NE, Lowell, MI, 49331. Lunch included. Cost: $65 http://weblink.donorperfect.com/TBM2025
“Scholarships available – for inquiries, please call 616.897.7842”

Margo Burian-Acrylic Sessions Workshop
2025-03-03 09:00 - 12:00
March 3, 10, 17 and 24, 9 AM – 12 PM
Students will learn about materials, a variety of painting techniques, and methods of working, both during class and through optional homework assignments. This class is suitable for beginners-intermediate painters.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/margo-burian-acrylic-sessions-workshop-tickets-1007615875207?aff=oddtdtcreator

Eric Michaels- Winter Scenes: the Advantages of Watercolor
2025-03-27 09:00 - 2025-03-28 16:00
Eric Michaels-Painting Winter Scenes: the Advantages of Watercolor
March 27 & 28, 2025
In this workshop, we will explore those properties, with an emphasis on using the white of the paper to advantage, and ways to achieve transparency and light, a variety of edges, atmospheric affects and appropriate winter colors.

The cost of this workshop is $275.00.

To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eric-michaels-painting-winter-scenes-the-advantages-of-watercolor-tickets-951963667957?aff=oddtdtcreator

Margo Burian-Oil Painting - Nuts, Bolts and Bold Moves
2025-04-03 09:00 - 2025-04-04 16:00
April 3 & 4, 9 AM – 4 PM
We’ll start by experimenting with color mixing, mediums and using mark making techniques before moving into Alla Prima Painting techniques. Sketches and photographic reference can serve as a launching point for strong compositions, graphic narratives and work that is expressly unique.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/margo-burian-oil-painting-nuts-bolts-and-bold-moves-tickets-1009423321327?aff=oddtdtcreator

Mary Jane Pories-Reclaim Your Painting
2025-04-03 09:00 - 2025-04-04 16:00
April 3 & 4, 9 AM – 4 PM
We all love the idea of a do-over. This 2-day workshop will give you and your paintings a second chance. To get the most out of the experience, you are encouraged to bring in at least 3-5 paintings that “just don’t work.”
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mary-jane-pories-reclaim-your-painting-tickets-1067368029509?aff=oddtdtcreator

Barbara Schilling-Energize your Paintings with Textures and Design
2025-04-07 13:00 - 17:00
April 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2025 from 1PM – 5 PM
Learn ways to create paintings that connect with people on an emotional level. In this 4-week workshop I will talk about how composition and design can tell a story (even with ordinary subject matter). How to use color to create moods, textures that vibrate with energy and more.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barbara-schilling-energize-your-paintings-with-textures-and-design-tickets-970887489617?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ralph M. Annunziata-‘exploringColor(orNot)’
2025-04-08 09:00 - 2025-04-10 16:00
April 8 – 10, 9 AM – 4 PM
it all seems to make sense but let’s step back a bit & consider a ‘cross-like’ [vertical & horizontal] configuration & thereIN what we have been provided is a ‘lightSource’_a prism so to speak – from above, from below & side to side – or even withIN – which seems encompass our BEing –
The cost of this workshop is $500.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ralph-m-annunziata-exploringcolorornot-tickets-750755077647?aff=oddtdtcreator

Carole Wilson - "Watercolor Collage Workshop"
2025-04-24 09:00 - 2025-04-25 16:00
Carole Wilson-WATERCOLOR COLLAGE WORKSHOP
April 24 & 25, 2025
In this workshop, watercolor will provide the foundation for the painting…and… adding a variety of collage materials will contribute texture and vibrancy. Some experience with watercolor and collage will be helpful, but is not necessary. Beginners are welcome!
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carole-wilson-watercolor-collage-workshop-tickets-689567544087?aff=oddtdtcreator

M. Joy Lemon-Scumbling and Glazing in Oil
2025-05-05 13:00 - 2025-06-02 17:00
May 5, 12, 19 and June 2 from 1 PM – 5 PM
Scumbling was traditionally used to paint light over dark with an opaque, broken application of paint in order to bring the lights forward visually and also build up interesting texture. Glazing was used to add darker value and color over lights. We will explore these 2 techniques.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/m-joy-lemon-scumbling-and-glazing-in-oil-tickets-999431997007?aff=oddtdtcreator

Judith Tummino-FINDING THE ABSTRACT IN STILL LIFE PAINTING
2025-05-22 09:00 - 2025-05-23 16:00
May 22 & 23, 9 AM – 4 PM
This course focuses on the creation of compositions based upon strong abstract principles. Using the elements of design and principles of organization the beauty of the form will emerge in a dynamic and satisfying format. Throughout the workshop demonstrations will be in Oil, Pastel and Gouache.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/judith-tummino-finding-the-abstract-in-still-life-painting-tickets-1009533571087?aff=oddtdtcreator

Richard Jordan-Painting Water with Confidence
2025-05-29 09:00 - 2025-05-30 16:00
May 29 & 30, 9 AM – 4 PM
In this two-day workshop, Richard Jordan, Director of the Plein Air Artists of West Michigan, will share his approach to painting convincing water. He will paint classroom and lakeside demonstrations and give plenty of one-on-one instruction as well as group wide critiques. All skill levels and media welcome.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/richard-jordan-painting-water-with-confidence-tickets-971120576787?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sarah Sedwick-Loose Realism: Painting the Still Life in Oils
2025-06-03 09:00 - 2025-06-05 16:00
June 3 – 5, 9 AM – 4 PM
Take a step-by-step approach to alla prima oil painting, from black-and-white studies to brilliant color. Build a beautiful composition with life and movement and get a new perspective on the still life.
The cost of this workshop is $575.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sarah-sedwick-loose-realism-painting-the-still-life-in-oils-tickets-1123213123689?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Judith Tummino-FOCUS ON THE FIGURE IN COMPOSITION
2025-06-05 09:00 - 2025-06-06 16:00
June 5 & 6, 9 AM – 4 PM
This workshop addresses the figure in relationship to elements in space in the painting. This exploration of the elements surrounding the figure which emerges in the composition can lead to a more subtle or dynamic statement. A multimedia approach will be used with demonstrations in oil, pastel and gouache.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/judith-tummino-focus-on-the-figure-in-composition-tickets-1009562688177?aff=oddtdtcreator

William Mancuso-The Joy of Sketching
2025-06-24 09:00 - 2025-06-25 16:00
William Mancuso-The Joy of Sketching

June 24 & 25, 9 AM – 4 PM

A variety of techniques for working small will be presented using pen, watercolor and water-soluble pencil. We’ll also give some consideration to composition, perspective, color and subject matter but the primary focus will be on sketching for the joy of sketching.

The cost of this workshop is $275.

To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/william-mancuso-the-joy-of-sketching-tickets-1050905405357?aff=oddtdtcreator

William A. Schneider-Mastering the Poetic Figure or Portrait
2025-06-24 09:00 - 2025-06-26 16:00
William A. Schneider-Mastering the Poetic Figure or Portrait

June 24-26, 2025

In this workshop we will focus on how to think like a poet…or a master film maker! You will learn techniques to imbue your images with greater emotional resonance!

The cost of this workshop is $570.

To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/william-a-schneider-mastering-the-poetic-figure-or-portrait-tickets-856342482417?aff=oddtdtcreator

Barbara Jaenicke-Painting Lyrical Water
2025-07-09 09:00 - 2025-07-11 16:00
July 9 – 11, 9 AM – 4 PM
Learn to paint exuberant, lively water so that the viewer can feel the light and hear the sounds! Featuring water as the primary subject matter for this workshop, Barbara will present and demonstrate the approach she uses for painting almost any landscape.
The cost of this workshop is $525.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barbara-jaenicke-painting-lyrical-water-tickets-719316714657?aff=oddtdtcreator

Diane Hamel-Beyond Words – An Icon Writing Workshop
2025-07-14 09:00 - 2025-07-18 17:00
July 14-18, 9 AM – 5 PM
Participants will learn about and complete an icon of the holy “Prophet Elijah” in acrylic paint on a prepared wood panel. Diane will gently lead students through a step-by-step process using demonstration and instruction. All supplies will be provided and are included in the cost of the workshop.
The cost of this workshop is $650.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/diane-hamel-beyond-words-an-icon-writing-workshop-tickets-967864868877?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ryan Brown-Landscape Workshop
2025-07-15 - 2025-07-18
PLEASE NOTE: We apologize that we have withdrawn this workshop from the calendar. We hope it can be rescheduled at a later date.

This workshop will begin by focusing on how to gather information through plein air sketches, and how to use those studies to create a more refined studio landscape. We will discuss how to simplify the landscape, how to create a focus, and how to work in layers.
The cost of this workshop is $XXX.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ryan-brown-landscape-workshop-tickets-856203476647?aff=oddtdtcreator

True North Adventure Experience
2025-07-21 - 2025-08-08
Join us at the Franciscan Life Process Center for our new summer series of True Adventure Experience! These technology-free weeks will help children develop life skills and enhance critical thinking and creative artistic exploration through a variety of activities that reconnect them with their surroundings. Participants can sign up for one week or all three consecutive weeks! Snacks will be provided, and a sack lunch is required to attend.
The Wild West
Explore the challenges of the untamed West of the late 1800s! Gain skills by working with animals, learning archery, foraging for food, and making root beer, as well as creating art, music and playing games popular in the pioneer days!
In the Footsteps of St. Francis
Come to learn how St. Francis praised and gave glory to God in all his daily works. Through working with the animals, cooking in the kitchen, making music, creating art and playing games with one another, participants will experience creativity and gain practical skills…all while having fun.
Campfire Storytellers
Once upon a time…before technology, information was passed on through storytelling and folklore. Through popular stories, participants will explore history, adventure, and fantasy. They will exercise their imagination with music, arts & crafts, cooking & building, interactive games, and be able to share it with their families
Click here for Registration Options.

Joan Fullerton-Intuitive Painting and Collage
2025-07-29 09:00 - 2025-08-01 16:00
July 29 – August 1, 9 AM – 4 PM
This class will take you beyond worn-out or predictable painting methods. We will experiment with innovative techniques and a mindset of relaxed awareness, which have been designed to cultivate curiosity and self-confidence.
The cost of this workshop is $775.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joan-fullerton-intuitive-painting-and-collage-tickets-814156823977?aff=oddtdtcreator

Barn Sale
2025-09-05 09:00 - 2025-09-06 17:00
Come shop office and home furniture, kitchen supplies and decorations at our Barn Sale on Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6.
Stop by our Lowell Campus, 11650 Downes St. NE, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and shop items from our recent renovations. All proceeds will go toward ongoing renovations for accessibility and energy efficiency of our Lowell building.
We’re looking for volunteers to help with setup, cleanup and managing sales. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Please reach out to Dawn Langenbach at dlangenbach@lifeprocesscenter.org to sign up.
Time slots for event set up (organizing and pricing sale items):

Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Time slots for managing sales and assisting customers:

Friday, Sept. 5

8 a.m. to noon
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
2:30-5 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 6

8 a.m. to noon
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
2:30-5 p.m.

ReVitalize Open House - You are Invited
2025-09-18 16:00 - 19:00
The Franciscan Life Process Center invites the community to explore our renovated Lowell campus 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18. All are invited, including past and future program participants, church and school groups, event planners and more. Join us for light refreshments and guided tours at 11650 Downes St. NE.
For more than 30 years, our Lowell campus has been a place of growth and restoration. We’ve been blessed to be able to offer numerous music therapy sessions, counseling appointments, art workshops and land programs, as well as room rentals, overnight accommodations and more. However, this well-loved community space had begun to show its age and was in need of a variety of improvements. With support from the community, we were able to ReVitalize the building.
As part of the renovation, guests will now enter through a welcoming, accessible entrance, designed with community in mind. The dining and kitchen areas have been completely reimagined to better host retreats and private events, while counseling and office spaces now reflect a calmer, enhanced therapeutic environment. Updated heating, cooling and lighting systems make the Center more sustainable and comfortable year-round.
This transformative effort, envisioned by the late Executive Director Sister Colleen Ann Nagle, was made possible by the generosity of donors. We are pleased to be nearing the completion of essential upgrades that will allow us to continue serving West Michigan with excellence and care for decades to come.
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you.

ralph annunziata-'listen'-the 'autumnalEquinox'
2025-09-24 09:00 - 2025-09-26 16:00
September 24-26, 2025
Join us for a transformative 3-day contemplative painting & drawing retreat, to
explore color & line, natural & human form perspectives & relations through a fresh,
reflective EYE to theCreative process that engages LIGHT, color & form withIN &
withOUT
The cost of this workshop is $500.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ralph-annunziata-listen-tickets-1325629376149?aff=oddtdtcreator

Beginner Adult Spanish Course
2025-09-24 18:00 - 20:00
We’re pleased to announce our new adult Spanish course for beginners. The six-week program will run Sept. 24-Oct. 29 on Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. at our Lowell Campus, 11650 Downes St NE.
This course is designed for individuals with no prior knowledge of Spanish and focuses on developing conversational skills.
This program is open to up to 10 participants and costs $150 per person. A workbook will be provided at the first session.
To sign up and learn more, email skoteskey@lifeprocesscenter.org or call 616.897.7842 ext. 315.
Please note: This course is not eligible for college credits.
Course instructor
Experienced educator James Albert will lead the course. James is a retired teacher with years of experience teaching Spanish and special education classes in the Ingham, Ionia and Montcalm school districts.

Beth Charles-Abstract Acrylic Florals with Impact!
2025-09-25 09:00 - 2025-09-26 16:00
September 25 & 26, 2025
In this workshop, students will learn techniques in adding collage and writing to their abstract acrylic florals. Each student will create their own unique pieces, using their favorite flowers. The importance of understanding the difference between transparent and opaque acrylics will be demonstrated.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beth-charles-abstract-acrylic-florals-with-impact-tickets-1080412305289?aff=oddtdtcreator

Eric Michaels-Creating Textures in Watercolor
2025-10-02 09:00 - 2025-10-03 16:00
October 2 & 3, 9 AM – 4 PM
Besides visual interest, texture can create contrast, establish depth and dimension and impart a sense of realism. Although watercolor is a wet medium, there are a number of ways to simulate tree bark, rocks, grass, sand and other landscape elements.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eric-michaels-creating-textures-in-watercolor-tickets-951970899587?aff=oddtdtcreator

Richard Jordan-Capturing the Character of Trees en Plein Air
2025-10-02 09:00 - 2025-10-03 16:00
October 2 & 3, 9 AM – 4 PM
https://www.artistrichardjordan.com/
In this two day workshop, Richard Jordan, Director of the Plein Air Painters of West Michigan, will share his approach to painting trees and give practical lessons on how you can give them visual truth while keeping their poetic quality. Richard will give painting demonstrations, on both days, plus providing plenty of one-on-one guidance.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/richard-jordan-capturing-the-character-of-trees-en-plein-air-tickets-971142311797?aff=oddtdtcreator

11th Annual Franciscan Rhythms Trail Run
2025-10-04 09:00
The 11th annual Franciscan Rhythms 5K Trail Run & Walk benefiting our music therapy program and land restoration efforts will take place Saturday, Oct. 4.
The all-ages and all-fitness-levels 5K will give participants an opportunity to “Run with Nuns” and experience a variety of restorative projects on a scenic path through our Lowell campus, 11650 Downes St. NE.
As race participants enjoy the course, they will be surrounded by deciduous woodland, pine forest and a restored prairie that contains all native plants. Visitors have spotted many beautiful birds, insects and woodland animals on the land – even an adventurous beaver!
A variety of live music stations featuring Irish, rock and folk music will be spread out along the trail route to motivate and inspire participants.
Visit our RunSignUp page for more information and to register for the race, sign up to volunteer or donate.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Fill out our sponsorship packet and email it to skoteskey@lifeprocesscenter.org.
Please view the course map here.

Barbara Schilling-4 Weeks to Building Stronger Paintings
2025-10-06 13:00 - 17:00
October 6, 13, 20 and 27, 1PM – 5PM

In this workshop I will cover 4 important elements of improving and elevating your work. There will be in-depth review of color (value/temperature/opacity/neutrality), discussion on pros and cons of working from life versus from photographs and more.

The cost of this workshop is $275.

To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barbara-schilling-4-weeks-to-building-stronger-paintings-tickets-970974911097?aff=oddtdtcreator

Stan Kurth-Acrylic and Collage on Canvas or Paper 3-day Workshop
2025-10-07 09:00 - 2025-10-09 16:00
October 7 – 9, 9 AM – 4 PM
Participants in this workshop will create acrylic and collage paintings on canvas, board, or paper starting with no preconceived notions or outcome. Process will dictate direction as students use a variety of acrylic and collage techniques to implement elements and principles of design.
The cost of this workshop is $525.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stan-kurth-acrylic-and-collage-on-canvas-or-paper-3-day-workshop-tickets-810156779737?aff=oddtdtcreator
