Icons in Transformation

An exhibit by internationally acclaimed artist Ludmila Pawlowska

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church | 20900 Chenal Pkwy. | Little Rock, AR 72223

“Art is he highest form of hope.”

- Gerhard Richter

From August 16 to November 8, 2026, The Oasis at St. Margaret’s will welcome Icons in Transformation… an opportunity to explore the icon mystery: its spiritual power transformed into masterpieces of contemporary art. The artist’s intention is to show how each person is shining and showing some spiritual centeredness, inspiration, and solace.

Throughout the year, we will use this opportunity to explore the intersection between spirituality and art. With several programs planned, we may discover what has been said, that “art is the highest form of hope.”

The Art of Honoring: Odes & Icons

Saturday, April 11

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Little Rock

The urge to honor and remember is long and strong in the human spiritual story. From the ancient traditions of Hindu home shrines to Eastern Orthodox icons to Dia de los Muertos altars of Mexico, people through time and place and religion have created structures and images to remember and honor those we love and revere. To create a piece of art dedicated to a person or idea is to take the time to absorb, observe and remember – to put that person or concept foremost in our hearts and minds. Join artist and educator, Lisa Thorpe, for a day of art and meditation. You can choose a saint to honor from images she provides or bring a photo of a loved one you want to celebrate. Each person will make an “Icon” on a wooden plaque using paint, decorative papers, copper and tin. At the end of the workshop there will be an opportunity to sit with your image in prayerful silence at the Arkansas House of Prayer – or take a walk around the labyrinth.

Russian Icon Exhibit

Friday, May 1, 4:00 p.m.

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Little Rock

Tour the collection of over 100 original Russian icons recently bequeathed to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Little Rock. Father Nicholas will be our guide as we learn about the icons, their history, and their purpose in prayer.

Praying with Icons

Saturday, August 29, 2026

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Little Rock

Join us for a guided personal prayer experience with the Icons in Transformation exhibit at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church. Led by experienced Ignatian spiritual director and retreat leader Tom Elliott, you will experience guidance on how to select a piece of art for personal prayer, an introduction to three ways of praying with art: Visio Divina, the Prayer of Consideration, and Theological Reflection, and ample quiet time and structure for you to pray with the art. This will be a time of gentle invitation and space as we drink from the spiritual depths together. This experience will be limited to 30 people.

Previous Speakers

Vinita Hampton Wright

The Art of Spiritual writing workshop was offered by Vinita Hampton Wright, the author of several books, including one by the same title. Participants in the March 2025 workshop called it “one of the best writing workshops” and enjoyed both the inspiration and the time to connect with others. If you missed it, check out one or more of Vinita’s books:

Dwelling Places

Days of Deepening Friendship

The Art of Spiritual Writing

Small Simple Ways: An Ignatian Daybook for Healthy Spiritual Living

Set the World on Fire: A 4-Week Personal Retreat with the Female Doctors of the Church

Anne C. Weaver

In February 2025, Anne C. Weaver led a workshop in the fundamentals of handbells for individuals and choirs. Anne started ringing handbells in the Texas panhandle when she was only 11 years old and has been ringing ever since. While she was earning her Bachelor of Arts in Music at Wayland Baptist University, she was the student director of the handbell choir. It was during this time that she began composing for bells as well. Anne holds a Master’s in Music from Texas State University and has been directing a variety of music ensembles in Texas and then Georgia since 2006. She is now the Director of Music Ministries for Trinity United Methodist Church in Little Rock.

Leah Libresco Sargeant

Our inaugural event in October 2024 focused on opportunities for Christians to create authentic communities of prayer, support, and learning.

Leah Libresco Sargeant is the author of Arriving at Amen and Building the Benedict Option. Her next book, The Dignity of Dependence, will come out in the fall of 2025. She runs Other Feminisms, a substack community focused on advocating for women in a world that sometimes treats us as defective men. She works on family policy in Washington D.C.

Lerita Coleman Brown

Dr. Lerita Coleman Brown invited us to journey through the life and work of the great sage - Dr. Howard Thurman, and to look within to learn and reflect on what God is inviting now.

Lerita Coleman Brown, PhD, is a spiritual director/companion, writer, retreat leader, and speaker. A graduate of the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, Professor Brown promotes contemplative spirituality, the living wisdom of Howard Thurman, and uncovering the peace and joy in one’s heart on her website, leritacolemanbrown.com and other social media platforms. Her book, When the Heart Speaks, Listen—Discovering Inner Wisdom, was published in 2019. What Makes You Come Alive—A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman, her latest book was published by Broadleaf Press in 2023.