In keeping with their congregation’s commitment to both artistic creativity and caring for the Earth, the School Sisters of St. Francis will be hosting an April art and spiritual workshop focusing on the beauty of Creation.

“By looking at the landscape of Milwaukee—its rivers, woodlands, lakes, and wildlife—we will celebrate all life, and the precious nature of the air, water, and soil,” says Juliet Hills, the presenter of the workshop “The Nature of Our Lives.”

The workshop will be held Saturday, April 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at St. Joseph Center, 1501 S. Layton Blvd. (S. 27th St. at Greenfield Ave.), Milwaukee, the School Sisters of St. Francis’ south side campus.

The workshop is designed to heighten awareness of the importance of Earth Day. Drawing from Pope Francis’ encyclical on stewardship of the Earth titled Laudato Si’, as well as writings by author Annie Dillard, John Muir (a.k.a. “Father of the National Parks”), and others, Ms. Hills has planned this contemplative morning so that “art, spirituality, literature and history will deepen our sense of belonging to this fragile planet,” she said.

During the two-hour workshop, attendees will reflect on ways to bring their spirituality in line with a commitment to be caretakers of the natural world, starting in their own neighborhood.

Participants then will have a chance to create a piece of watercolor art. All are encouraged to bring along pictures or photos from their personal collections that might help inspire their creativity.

Juliet Hills is retired from the Milwaukee County Historical Society. She is also an avid historian and artist with an extensive collection of sketches that reflect her spiritual connection to animals and landscapes, especially their vulnerability and dependence on human awareness. Juliet received her bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Marquette University and an M.A. degree in pastoral studies from St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee.

The class fee is only $20, but advance registration is required to ensure enough materials for everyone. Registration deadline is Thursday, April 18. Send cash or checks written to “School Sisters of St. Francis Outreach Events,” c/o Donna O’Loughlin; 1501 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215. Contact: doloughlin@sssf.org or 414-385-5272. Convenient free parking is available in the St. Joseph Center lot at 29th St. and Orchard St.