Visio Divina Conference

Visio Divina or “Divine Seeing”

Have you ever longed for a different way to connect with God? This conference extends an invitation to participate in a variety of sessions that use visual art, art-making and art experiences to commune with our Creator. No matter what your previous experience with visual art, you belong. 

Previous Key Note Speakers

Dr. Heather Hodges
Dr. Heather L. Hodges is from Texas, however she had an international childhood and lived for a time in Iran, England, and France. She attended high school at both Azle High School in Texas and the American School of Paris, in France where she spent countless hours in the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay learning to love the arts.

Heather holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Abilene Christian University. Her doctoral thesis, A Renaissance of the Visual Arts in Worship for Churches of Christ, received recognition by Abilene Christian University for outstanding academic achievement. Heather is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University. Heather is an executive communication coach, leadership development specialist, inspirational speaker, a co-founder of Lavish Hope Ministries, and a professional artist.

Heather lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Wade. They have served in ministry together for over 25 years in Texas, Oklahoma, and Washington State. They have two grown sons, Caleb and Elijah.

Heather is passionate about helping others tap into their creativity and use their gifts to serve one another and glorify God.

Jessie Nilo
Jessie Nilo is the founder of God Loves Art, and has worked in art ministry for 20 years. She is an illustrator and live painter working in acrylic and public murals. Jessie frequently creates live art around her hometown of Boise, Idaho. She received a BA in Graphic Design and a BFA in Illustration (Boise State, 2006). In 2004 she founded VineArts, a community of artists at her church who gathered to love God, edify the church, serve their city, and grow artistically. She loves to empower and heal communities through beauty, especially people who were never encouraged to create growing up. Jessie loves providing art expression for underserved populations and believes we can build bridges through beauty in times when the rest of culture wants to put up walls. Jessie currently teaches the principles and foundations of art ministry internationally, with dozens of students enrolled in her online classes from around the world. Join Jessie's fall cohort, Foundations of Art Ministry, a 4-month ministry school taught completely online at Godlovesart.com.