What happens when artists gather in a sacred space—not just to create, but to commune with the Creator Himself?
We are excited to announce a brand-new experience at The Inn of Last Resort—the Elohim Collective—where artists of all kinds are invited to explore what it means to create on mission with the Lord. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains in Franklin, North Carolina, this five-day creative retreat from July 14 to 19 is designed for anyone who desires to connect their art more deeply with God’s heart.
A Sacred Space to Create With God
The Elohim Collective isn’t just a workshop—it’s a call to co-create with the One who spoke the universe into being. “Elohim” is the Hebrew word for God used in the very first sentence of Genesis. It refers to God as the Mighty Creator, the divine architect of light and land, of oceans teeming with glowing creatures and the intricate systems that sustain our lives.
As His image-bearers, we too are invited to reflect His creativity. This weeklong event offers a space to do just that—through art, reflection and relationship. With a rhythm of prayer, Bible study and medium-specific workshops, participants will engage their imagination and creativity under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, ultimately crafting a piece to present at the close of the week.
Experience, Explore, Express
Each day of the Elohim Collective includes:
- Instructional sessions to grow your skill and inspiration
- Hands-on workshops to experiment with different mediums
- Fellowship with other artists on the same journey
- Quiet space to listen, reflect and create
Whether you are a seasoned creative or someone just starting to explore the arts, you’ll be welcomed into a community where your gifts can flourish in a God-centered environment.
Open Studio Time
In addition to the structured sessions, we will also offer flexible space for personal exploration during the second half of the week. While all essential materials are supplied, participants are welcome to bring their own tools or projects to personalize their experience. The open studio time is designed to be a relaxed, supportive environment—perfect for continuing work in the medium you’ve studied or for branching out into something new. Instructors will remain available for guidance, and participants are encouraged to connect, collaborate and share ideas if the moment moves them.
Meet the Instructors
This year’s Collective features a dynamic group of instructors ready to guide and encourage you throughout the week. From a mixed media artist to a filmmaker and musician, each brings a unique voice and deep passion for honoring God through their craft.
Jodi O’Hara is a visual artist based in Black Mountain, NC. She is best known for her unique painting style which balances logic with intuition. She creates from a place of planning merged with her trust in the unknown. She does this by bridging realism with non-representational mark-making and movement. Her emotive oil paintings explore themes of hope and transformation by partnering with the Holy Spirit and processing from personal narratives.
Jodi graduated with a BFA in painting from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She earned a distinction in art and was awarded the University Research Scholar Award. She has exhibited work in several notable galleries across the United States including Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio and Bender Gallery in Asheville, NC. She currently teaches painting classes at AB Tech. Find her work at jodiohara.com.
Vince Freeman is a creative strategist, filmmaker and StoryBrand Certified Guide helping organizations clarify their message and tell powerful stories. With over 20 years of ministry experience, he’s passionate about creating content that connects deeply and drives real impact. Vince is the founder of Damascus Creative and leads workshops on storytelling, branding and content creation.
In his session (remote from San Diego), you’ll learn what makes a powerful story, discover tools to sharpen your storytelling voice and explore proven tactics found in Scripture and used by Hollywood writers to engage any audience.
Rev. Fr. Gerard Vincent Freeman is a minister, musician, and mentor with over four decades of ministry and music experience. He has taught and performed across the country and founded Heart of Fire Ministries to create original songs, dramas and music programs that inspire faith and unity.
As a music director and multi-instrumentalist, he has trained students of all ages in both private and school settings. At Elohim Collective, he’ll guide participants through the craft of songwriting—equipping them with practical tools to write lyrics that move hearts and honor God.
From an early age, Nancy “Spunkey” Williamson pursued all things creative, with dreams of a future in filmmaking and the performing arts. But everything changed in the spring of 1997, when the Lord spoke to her heart at a youth camp in North Georgia. In that moment, she surrendered her life fully to Jesus and never looked back.
Since then, her passion for creativity has been firmly rooted in her desire to walk closely with the Savior. A gifted storyteller, Spunkey has written skits, choreographed worship movement pieces, and created human videos for street evangelism. For over two decades, she has served faithfully in children’s and youth ministries through both church and outreach settings.
At the Elohim Collective, Spunkey looks forward to helping participants tune their hearts to God’s voice and boldly share their testimonies and stories through dramatic expression.
Susan Lange delights in moving in the flow of the Holy Spirit to reflect the heart of God in her artistic expression. Throughout her life and in her creative journey, she has taught adults and children how to release their own unique creativity with joy and passion. She has taught in all types of settings from churches to art museums and orphanages. One of her specialties is creating worship tools for prayer and intercession and various artwork and products for small retail stores and studios. An overview of some of her pieces can be viewed at BySusanKay.com
In Susan’s session, you will be invited to explore the powerful release of prophetic movement and learn to move and connect with the Holy Spirit as you use your body as a instrument of worship.
Details at a Glance:
- When: July 14–19, 2025
- Where: The Inn of Last Resort – Franklin, NC
- Who: Open to individuals 16+
- Cost: $550 (Includes lodging, meals and materials)
Come join us for a week of inspiration, creativity and community as we set aside time to meet with God—the ultimate Artist—and reflect His glory through the work of our hands.
Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot!
