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 July 19 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.
Born in Kazakhstan and now living in Sweden, artist Ludmila Pawlowska has been inspired by traditional Russian icons to create luminous contemporary works of art. She writes, “The icon has a spiritual power which comes from the icon itself, a kind of light. To create and capture a light has always been the most difficult and greatest challenge to artists throughout the centuries. This exhibition is my attempt to capture it in my own way.”
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.”
View the Exhibit
Individuals and Groups Welcome
Beginning July 24, the exhibit will be open to the public on Fridays, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (with refreshments), and on Saturdays from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Community and church groups may make a reservation to visit the exhibit together at other times during the week. Please fill out the form below to request a group reservation.
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.
The Eyes Have It:
prayers & presence
-
Saturday, October 24, 2026
10:00-11:30
-
Join artist and educator, Lisa Thorpe, for a time of presence and prayer. We will gather amid the art of Ludmila Pawlowska. Lisa will share an accessible poetic prayer writing form in the 5-line Collect, then participants will wander the rooms of art waiting for one to spark. Once called by the art, there will be 20 mins of communing with the image and letting it inspire a poetic prayer. Participants will gather again in a circle and those who would like to share their poem or meditative experience can so then.
-
St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church
20900 Chenal Pkwy.
Little Rock, AR 72223
-
Previous Speakers & Programs
The Art of Honoring: Odes & Icons
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. With artist and educator, Lisa Thorpe, we spent a day of art and meditation, closing with time the Arkansas House of Prayer.
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.
Join Us
Join Oasis at St. Margaret's for a serene and supportive community dedicated to enhancing your overall well-being.
