Franciscan Life Process Center

Beginner adult art classes
2026-01-05 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Franciscan Life Process Center – Lowell Campus, 11650 Downes St. NE, Lowell, MI, 49331
So you want to be an artist!
Start your artistic journey with our beginner art classes, made for adults who want to build a strong creative foundation. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or rediscovering a hobby, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to create beautiful drawings and paintings in this series, which begins in January and ends in March.

Taught by Center Art Director Kathy Bechtel, students will progress through three sessions: drawing, color theory and painting. Each course offers hands-on instruction in an intimate 10-person class. All classes are held at the Franciscan Life Process Center, 11650 Downes St. NE in Lowell.
Sign up for the beginner adult art classes online.
Please view the supplies list here.

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Session 1 – Drawing

Students select either Mondays or Thursdays:
Mondays 6-9 p.m. – Jan. 5-Feb. 2
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.

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Session 2 – Color theory

Select Mondays or Thursdays:
Mondays 6-9 p.m. – Feb. 9 and 16
Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon – Feb. 12 and 19

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.

________

Session 3 – Painting
Select Mondays or Thursdays:
Mondays 6-9 p.m. – Feb. 23-March 16
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.

Students who sign up for all three sessions will receive $40 off, making the whole 11-week series $400 per person.

Beginner Adult Spanish Course
2026-01-07 18:00 - 20:00
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, 2026-03-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-14 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, 2026-03-03 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-07 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-28 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, 2026-03-04 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-03-11 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-03-18 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-03-25 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

Baking with the Sister Gabriella Pettirossi
2026-03-28 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
Pumpernickel & Herbed “Music” Bread
Sister Gabriella Pettirossi
Focaccia & Breadsticks
Sister Carmina Rose Muscat
Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls & Challah
Sister Christianna Hamman
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

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

Baking with the Sister Carmina Rose
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00
