Created to Create Workshops
A Prayerful Painting Experience
The Created to Create series is a unique prayer experience that invites participants to encounter God through Scripture, reflection, and the creative process.
Each gathering blends guided prayer, sacred imagery, and painting in a gentle step-by-step format that allows participants of all artistic levels to engage deeply with the theme of the evening. As the artwork unfolds layer by layer, participants are invited into moments of quiet reflection, Scripture meditation, and shared faith.
These evenings are not traditional art classes. They are designed as prayerful experiences where creativity becomes a way of responding to God — reflecting on His presence in our lives and offering our gifts back to Him.
Participants leave not only with a completed painting, but with a meaningful spiritual experience rooted in the truth that we are all created in the image of a creative God.
The Growth of the Created to Create Series
The Created to Create™ Prayer Painting Series began in 2023 with a single Lenten reflection experience designed to help participants prayerfully engage the spiritual themes of the season through Scripture and creative expression.
Following the meaningful response from parish communities, the series expanded in 2024, introducing additional themes that continued to connect faith, reflection, and the creative process.
Throughout 2025 and into early 2026, the series continued to grow with new offerings including Marian reflections, seasonal prayer experiences, and Scripture-based themes such as The Alabaster Jar — A Fragrant Offering.
Ashley continues to develop new themes for the Created to Create series, allowing parishes and ministry groups to explore a growing collection of prayerful experiences throughout the liturgical year. Each gathering is designed to invite participants into deeper reflection while honoring the truth that we are all created in the image of a creative God.
More themes and experiences are continually being developed, and Ashley is happy to collaborate with parish leaders to curate a prayerful experience that supports the spiritual goals of their community.
What Parishes Are Saying
Ashley currently offers several prayerful painting experiences, including:
Additional themes are continually being developed and may be curated to align with:
• liturgical seasons
• parish feast days
• Marian devotions
• Scripture themes
• retreat evenings
Each experience includes guided prayer, Scripture reflection, and a step-by-step painting that supports the spiritual theme.
A Ministry of Faith & Creativity
Ashley Ellis is a certified Lay Ecclesial Minister in the Diocese of Green Bay who leads prayerful painting workshops that combine Scripture, reflection, and guided creativity. Each experience invites participants into a space of quiet reflection where art becomes a form of prayer.
While the workshops are rooted in Catholic theology and devotional life, many experiences can also be adapted for ecumenical Christian communities, making them welcoming and meaningful for a variety of congregations.
Ideal for Parish Ministries
Created to Create™ experiences are well suited for:
• Women’s ministry gatherings
• Advent and Lenten reflections
• Parish retreats
• Youth ministry events
• Bible study groups
• Council of Catholic Women gatherings
• Parish feast day celebrations
These workshops foster community, conversation, and spiritual reflection in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
A Fully Guided Experience
Ashley provides all materials and step-by-step instruction, making the experience accessible for beginners and experienced artists alike.
Each event includes:
• All painting materials
• Guided artistic instruction
• Scripture and prayer reflection
• A completed artwork participants take home
No prior art experience is required.
Fundraising Opportunities
Many parishes choose to host Created to Create™ workshops as fundraising events supporting ministries such as:
• Youth ministry
• Mission trips
• Parish outreach programs
• Women’s ministry
• Bible study groups
Ashley works with parish leaders to design events that support both spiritual enrichment and fundraising goals.
Experience in Parish Ministry
In addition to her work as an artist and instructor, Ashley brings more than 10 years of parish ministry and volunteer experience. Her background includes service as a:
• Religious Education Coordinator
• Youth Minister
• Liturgist
• Pastoral Minister
This experience allows her to collaborate easily with pastors, parish staff, and ministry leaders, ensuring each event supports the spiritual goals of the parish community.
Custom Experiences Available
Every parish community is unique. Ashley works with ministry leaders to design experiences that align with:
• the liturgical calendar
• parish feast days
• seasonal reflections
• retreat themes
• ministry formation or renewal
Rights & Creative Ownership
The Created to Create™ Prayer Painting Series—including its themes, format, guided reflections, and instructional structure—is the original work of Ashley Ellis.
All materials and workshop designs are copyright protected. All rights reserved.
The Created to Create™ series may not be reproduced, redistributed, or taught by others without written permission.
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