Franciscan Life Process Center

Beginner Adult Spanish Course
2026-01-07 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Franciscan Life Process Center – Lowell Campus, 11650 Downes St. NE, Lowell, MI, 49331
Join other adult learners this winter for a beginner-friendly Spanish course focused on developing conversational skills. The 12-week program runs Jan. 7-March 25 on Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. at our Lowell campus, 11650 Downes St. NE.

This welcoming course is designed for individuals with no prior knowledge of Spanish and focuses on developing everyday conversation skills and building confidence. Students will build their vocabulary and learn how to conjugate verbs and develop sentence structure. Basic prayers like the Hail Mary and Our Father will also be taught.

This program costs $300 per person. A workbook will be provided at the first session. To sign up and learn more, email sdebyle@lifeprocesscenter.org or call 616.897.7842.

Please note: This course is not eligible for college credits.

Course instructor

Experienced educator James Albert is a retired teacher with decades of teaching experience in the Michigan Department of Education and more than 15 years teaching Spanish at St. Patrick School. He also instructs the English as a Second Language program through the Belding Area Schools Adult Education program. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University and spent three summers studying at the University of Costa Rica.

Beginner adult art classes - Session 1 - Drawing - Thursdays
2026-01-08 09:00 - 12:00
Session 1 – Drawing

Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon – Jan. 8-Feb.5

This five-week course will start with lessons in drawing basic objects and shapes and exploring how light and shadows affect each shape from different perspectives. In the following weeks, students will apply these skills to create still lifes, landscapes and portraits. Students are responsible for purchasing items on the supply list prior to the class. The cost of this session is $200 per person.

Please note: Session 1 is required as a prerequisite for Session 2.

Paint and Sip
2026-02-07 13:00 - 16:00
Participate in a cozy Paint and Sip perfect for friends, couples or a solo afternoon escape from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7. Experienced artist and Center Art Director Kathy Bechtel will teach students how to paint a beautiful flower arrangement on a 14 inch by 11-inch canvas. All skill levels are welcome.

The cost is $50 per person and includes all painting supplies and non-alcoholic drinks, including coffee, tea and cider, with light snacks.

The class is held at the newly renovated Franciscan Life Process Center, 11650 Downes St. NE in Lowell. An easy drive from Grand Rapids and Lansing, our Lowell campus offers a beautiful and calming environment perfect for unplugging from city life.

Register online at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/paintsip.

Looking to enhance your artistic abilities? View and enroll in our upcoming professional art workshops.

Beginner adult art classes - Session 2 - Color Theory- Mondays
2026-02-09 18:00 - 21:00
Session 2 – Color theory

Mondays 6-9 p.m. – Feb. 9 and 16

In this two-week course, students will discover how colors interact and learn to create primary, secondary and tertiary colors using acrylic paint. Participants will learn how to mix and manipulate colors to build harmonious palettes and gain a stronger understanding of the color wheel. Students are responsible for purchasing items on the supply list prior to the class. The cost of this session is $80 per person.

Please note:

Students must attend Session 1 in order to join Session 2.
If a student would like to skip Session 1 and progress to Session 2, please contact Art Director Kathy Bechtel at kbechtel@lifeprocesscenter.org.

Beginner adult art classes - Session 2 - Color Theory - Thursdays
2026-02-09 18:00 - 21:00
Session 2 – Color theory

Thursdays 6-9 p.m. – Feb. 9 and 16

In this two-week course, students will discover how colors interact and learn to create primary, secondary and tertiary colors using acrylic paint. Participants will learn how to mix and manipulate colors to build harmonious palettes and gain a stronger understanding of the color wheel. Students are responsible for purchasing items on the supply list prior to the class. The cost of this session is $80 per person.

Please note:

Students must attend Session 1 in order to join Session 2.
If a student would like to skip Session 1 and progress to Session 2, please contact Art Director Kathy Bechtel at kbechtel@lifeprocesscenter.org.

La Cucina di Suor Gabriella – Italian Cooking Class
2026-02-10 19:00 - 21:00
Discover the authentic flavors of Italy! Join us for La Cucina di Suor Gabriella, a warm and welcoming Italian cooking class designed for home cooks of all skill levels. Each month, you’ll explore classic Italian dishes, essential techniques, and the rich culinary traditions that make Italian cuisine so loved around the world.
Classes meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 7–9 p.m. at our Lowell campus, 11650 Downes St. NE. Come ready to learn, taste, and enjoy the art of Italian cooking—buon appetito!
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 – Piatti Forti (Meat Entree)
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 – Pasticceria (Dessert)
Register online at: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/ItalianCooking

Beginner adult art classes - Session 3 - Painting - Mondays
2026-02-23 18:00 - 21:00
Session 3 – Painting
Mondays 6-9 p.m. – Feb. 23-March 16
In this four-week course, students will bring together the skills learned in Sessions 1 and 2 to create a complete acrylic painting. Lessons will include composition, edges, mood and dramatic lighting, helping participants create depth and enhance their paintings. Students are responsible for purchasing items on the supply list prior to the class. The cost of Session 3 is $160 per person.

Cooking Around the World – A Global Foodie Adventure
2026-02-24 19:00 - 21:00
Embark on a delicious journey across continents! Cooking Around the World is a hands-on cooking class where you’ll explore bold flavors, unique ingredients, and traditional techniques from a variety of global cuisines. From the rich, aromatic spices of India to the vibrant dishes of the Philippines, the bold and comforting tastes of Hispanic cooking, and the delicate artistry behind classic French pastries—each session brings a new culture and cuisine to your table.
This intimate class accommodates up to 8 participants and is priced at $75.00 per person. For questions, call 616.897.7842.
Classes are held on the 1st and 4th Tuesday of each month from 7–9 p.m. at our Lowell campus, located at 11650 Downes St. NE, Lowell.
Register online: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/aroundworld

Walking with Saint Francis Through Lent
2026-02-25 19:00 - 20:30
In this Lenten series, we will consider ten events in the life of Saint Francis of Assisi that were turning points, or “steps of conversion,” as he followed Christ more and more closely throughout his life. In addition, we will see how these steps can apply to our own lives and take time for prayer and reflection to consider how they can help us follow Christ more closely throughout Lent.
Come and learn more about the life of Saint Francis, and how his journey of conversion can inspire and deepen our own walk with Christ.
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:30pm
February 25
March 4
March 11
March 18
March 25
Register here

Beginner adult art classes - Session 3 - Painting - Thursdays
2026-02-26 09:00 - 12:00
Session 3 – Painting
Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon – Feb. 26-March 19
In this four-week course, students will bring together the skills learned in Sessions 1 and 2 to create a complete acrylic painting. Lessons will include composition, edges, mood and dramatic lighting, helping participants create depth and enhance their paintings. Students are responsible for purchasing items on the supply list prior to the class. The cost of Session 3 is $160 per person.

Baking with the Sister Mary Paul
2026-02-28 09:00 - 12:00
Breads from the Franciscan Traditions
Step into the rich heritage of Franciscan baking! Breads from the Franciscan Traditions invites you to tie on your apron, fire up the oven, and learn the time‑honored art of homemade bread. In this hands-on class, you’ll discover techniques, tips, and secrets passed down through generations, all while creating delicious loaves rooted in history and hospitality.
Classes are held on the last Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m.–noon, at our Lowell campus, 11650 Downes St. NE.
This breadmaking experience accommodates up to 10 participants and is $100 per person. For questions, please call 616.897.7842.
Instructors & Featured Breads

Sister Mary Paul Moller (2/28)
Pumpernickel & Herbed “Music” Bread
Sister Gabriella Pettirossi (3/28)
Focaccia & Breadsticks
Sister Carmina Rose Muscat (4/25)
Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls & Challah
Sister Christianna Hamman (5/30)
Flatbread & Multigrain Bread

Join us for a flavorful, fragrant morning of baking—where tradition rises, and every loaf tells a story.
Register online: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/Breads

The Heart of Prayer
2026-03-14 09:30 - 15:00
Join us for a day of reflection and renewal as we explore the depth and beauty of prayer in our relationship with God. Prayer is our way of coming to know God and to love Him. It is a simple opening of the mind and heart to God. How do I do this? That is the goal of this retreat.
Click here to register

M. Joy Lemon-Luminous Florals in Charcoal and Chalk
2026-03-31 09:00 - 2026-04-02 16:00
March 31-April 2, 9 AM – 4 PM

Through guided demonstrations and focused individual support you will learn how to prepare materials, develop a solid block-in drawing, transfer your composition, identify and mass in shadow shapes, and softly turn form with sensitive, textureless shading, all while building your sensitivity to proportion and values.

The cost of this workshop is $420.00

To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: M. Joy Lemon-Luminous Florals in Charcoal and Chalk Tickets, Tue, Mar 31, 2026 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

Andy Evansen-A Valuable Approach to Watercolor
2026-04-07 09:00 - 2026-04-09 16:00
April 7-9, 2026
There seems to be a never-endinq quest to loosen up in watercolor and it’s probably the most common goal of students. As I tell my students, what you leave out of a painting is as important as what you put in. The cost of this workshop is $650.00.
To find out more about this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/andy-evansen-a-valuable-approach-to-watercolor-tickets-1450484350739?aff=oddtdtcreator

Diane Hamel-Beyond Words-An Icon Writing Workshop
2026-04-13 09:00 - 2026-04-17 16:00
April 13 – 17, 9 AM – 4 PM

Come and spend a week with Diane Hamel at the Franciscan Life Process Center in prayerful contemplation as she leads participants in painting an icon of St. Mary of Egypt. Beginner to Advanced accepted.

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-1962610402546?aff=oddtdtcreator

Carole Wilson-WATERCOLOR COLLAGE WORKSHOP
2026-04-16 09:00 - 2026-04-17 16:00
April 16 & 17, 9 AM – 4 PM

The marriage of watercolor and collage creates a beautiful and “unique medium.” Watercolor’s fluidity and transparency provide the foundation for our painting … and then… we add the texture and vibrancy of Collage materials to enhance our painting.

The cost of this workshop is $285.

To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carole-wilson-watercolor-collage-workshop-tickets-1360697616199?aff=oddtdtcreator

Margaret Kriegbaum-Finding the Abstract in Nature
2026-04-21 09:00 - 2026-04-22 16:00
April 21 & 22, 2026, 9 AM – 4 PM

This class focuses on the simplification of form to create a beautiful and energetic abstract painting. We will draw inspiration from photo references on the first day, with the option to paint en plein air on the second day. The student will learn to find the “bones” or the structural foundation that holds the composition together even after layers of color are added. There will be a brief PowerPoint introduction, explaining exactly what we mean by “abstract” or “abstraction” and showing a few examples. This is a two day multilevel course.

The cost of this workshop is $285.

To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/judith-tummino-finding-the-abstract-in-nature-tickets-1977734158106?aff=oddtdtcreator

John Fleck-Large and Loose Landscapes with Charcoal
2026-05-18 09:00 - 2026-05-19 16:00
May 18 & 19, 2026, 9 AM – 4 PM
Work large with charcoal in the landscape. This 2–Day workshop will allow you to work loose, large, and even painterly. Charcoal is among the most malleable of drawing media, letting you smear, soften, and blend, to render the beauty of the landscape on paper.
The cost of this workshop is $275.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/john-fleck-large-and-loose-landscapes-with-charcoal-tickets-1087146306869?aff=oddtdtcreator

Keiko Tanabe-Painting Impressions with Watercolor
2026-05-19 09:00 - 2026-05-21 16:00
May 19-21, 2026, 9 AM – 4 PM
In this class, you will start seeing things differently and learn how to turn reality into a captivating, impressionistic image. The goal is to capture the essence of the subject that conveys a certain mood and atmosphere.
The cost of this workshop is $650.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/keiko-tanabe-painting-impressions-with-watercolor-tickets-1269143806289?aff=oddtdtcreator

Richard Jordan Plein Air-Developing Artistry
2026-05-27 09:00 - 2026-05-29 16:00
May 27-29, 2026, 9 AM – 4 PM

The focus of this 3-Day workshop is on transforming the ordinary landscape into a work of art. There are dozens of ways to paint the same landscape, but it’s your ability to see creative possibilities which moves an ordinary scene into artistry.

The cost of this workshop is $425.

To find a complete listing of this workshop go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/richard-jordan-plein-air-developing-artistry-tickets-1907787426549?aff=oddtdtcreator

Eric Michaels-Pulling your Paintings Together in Watercolor
2026-05-28 09:00 - 2026-05-29 16:00
May 28 & 29, 2026, 9 AM – 4 PM
We will explore the utilization of light and dark values, warm and cool colors, soft and hard edges, areas of detail and rest, and more. All of these create depth and realism, guide the viewer’s eye and enhance the visual impact.
The cost of this workshop is $285.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eric-michaels-pulling-your-paintings-together-in-watercolor-tickets-1838184412059?aff=oddtdtcreator

Mary Jo Roys Drueke, IAPS/MC-From Skies to Rocks in Soft Pastels
2026-06-03 09:00 - 2026-06-04 16:00
June 3 & 4, 2026, 9 AM – 4 PM

We will make use of both small thumbnails to set up an interesting design. A major emphasis will be placed on ever important values! You can expect to have two sketches at the end of the second and a more confident skill set to bring to your landscapes.

The cost of this workshop is $285.

To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: Mary Jo Roys Drueke, IAPS/MC-From Skies to Rocks in Soft Pastels Tickets, Wed, Jun 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

Nancie King Mertz-Paint What Scares You!
2026-06-09 09:00 - 2026-06-11 16:00
June 9-11, 2026, 9 AM – 4 PM
Be open to trying something that pushes your boundaries, rather than painting your usual subject matter. Nancie will guide you toward success! Bring your printed reference materials of scenes you’ve always wanted to paint but never quite knew how to approach artistically. This is a pastel workshop.
The cost of this workshop is $500.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nancie-king-mertz-paint-what-scares-you-tickets-1020863168217?aff=oddtdtcreator

Barbara Hack-Portraits in Oil
2026-06-09 09:00 - 2026-06-11 16:00
June 9-11, 2026, 9 AM – 4 PM
This hands-on workshop with award winning artist Barbara Hack is designed to take you through a classically inspired approach to painting the head/ portrait from a photo reference. All four stages of the painting process will be covered, including under painting .
The cost of this workshop is $625.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barbara-hack-portraits-in-oil-tickets-1115877773459?aff=oddtdtcreator

Beggar's Bell Bash
2026-06-09 18:00 - 21:00
An evening of celebration and support for the Center’s programs awaits at our
Beggar’s Bell Bash 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9.

This special gathering will feature great food, beer and wine, music, a silent auction and meaningful conversation – all in support of the Center’s programs, which assist in the education, healthy development and cultural enrichment of our West Michigan community.

Guests can also tour our recently renovated building at the beautiful, rural Lowell campus, 11650 Downes St. and experience firsthand the spaces where our mission comes to life.

Learn more and purchase tickets by visiting LifeProcessCenter.org/beggars-bell-bash

Grace DeVito-Painting the Organic Still Life
2026-06-23 09:00 - 2026-06-25 16:00
June 23-25, 2026
Join nationally acclaimed artist Grace DeVito for a 3-day oil painting workshop “Painting the Organic Still Life”. Learn her process of multi layered still life painting by lecture, demonstration and critiques. Focus will be given to technique, paint application and creating form.
The cost of this workshop is $545.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grace-devito-painting-the-organic-still-life-tickets-1337230054089?aff=oddtdtcreator

Phil Starke-Mixing Color to Suggest Light and Form
2026-06-23 09:00 - 2026-06-26 16:00
June 23-26, 2026, 9 AM – 4 PM

Unlock the power of color to create light, depth, and three-dimensional form in your paintings. This class focuses on the essential skills of color mixing as a means to capture atmosphere, model form, and direct the viewers eye.

The cost of this workshop is $700.

To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/phil-starke-mixing-color-to-suggest-light-and-form-tickets-1977396631555?aff=oddtdtcreator

Barbara Schilling-Be Bold!
2026-06-30 09:00 - 2026-07-01 16:00
June 30 – July 1, 9 AM – 4 PM

Creating a successful painting is about more than just utilizing skills. A painting should be more than just a representation of a subject. No matter how skillfully executed, without passion and energy your work will not hold a viewers attention. Find out how.

The cost of this workshop is $285.

To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barbara-schilling-be-bold-tickets-1975627330528?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ralph Annunziata-' w i t h I N & w i t h O UT'
2026-06-30 09:00 - 2026-07-02 16:00
June 30-July 2, 2026, 9 AM – 4 PM

we’ll work solo canvases as well as indulge a ‘series’ explorations through abstractExpression & representational components to enhance our own clarity from withIN silent walking meditation or just quietly sit with ‘softFocus’ eyes to feel, to listen to BE_PRESENT withOUT these BEautiful franciscanCenter grounds –

The cost of this workshop is $500.

To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: Ralph Annunziata-‘ w i t h I N & w i t h O UT’ Tickets, Tue, Jun 30, 2026 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

Kathleen Conover-PAINTING FROM THE RIGHT (AND LEFT) SIDE OF THE BRAIN
2026-07-06 09:00 - 2026-07-08 16:00
July 6-8, 9 AM – 4 PM
The best paintings aren’t always planned, and they aren’t totally intuitive. They are a marriage of intent, basic design skills, and freely expressing our personal interpretation of the world.
The cost of this workshop is $600.
To find a complete listing of this workshop please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kathleen-conover-painting-from-the-right-and-left-side-of-the-brain-tickets-1070948960169?aff=oddtdtcreator
