A visionary leader and champion for the power of the arts and artists in the local church, Nancy Beach is known around the world as a leader and mentor of church artists and teachers. Vice President of the Arts for the Willow Creek Association, she is a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and the author of An Hour on Sunday and Gifted to Lead. Nancy will open our event with insights on the unique role artists play in lifting the hearts of God’s people toward wonder.

Two decades ago, Gilles Ste-Croix was one of a small group of artists and street performers who gave birth to a new creative form. This combination of circus acts and street entertainment, featuring wild costumes, magical lighting, and original music is now known worldwide as Cirque du Soleil. Vice President of Creation and New Project Development, Gilles served as the driving force behind LOVE, the new Cirque show based on the music of The Beatles, and will offer an inside look at the creative process of these highly successful, multi-layered experiences.

An author, speaker, pastor, activist, and networker among innovative Christian leaders, Brian McLaren is stirring people to think in fresh ways about Christian life and faith. Believing that the mission of the Church involves serving society, he will offer his perspective on how God’s artists can use their gifts both inside and outside the church to inspire and do good. A prolific author, his books include A New Kind of Christian, The Secret Message of Jesus, and Everything Must Change.

Robbie Seay Band has had a busy year. Their sophomore release, Give Yourself Away, launched to critical acclaim and two cuts immediately saw airplay on national TV. “Rise”, an anthemic call to action, was used by Fox to promote this season of American Idol and “Song of Hope” has been featured on ABC through the show Oprah’s Big Give.

Known for an alternative worship style that features raw, insightful lyrics coupled with an equally edgy and engaging sound, they partnered with producer Tedd T. (Mute Math, Delirous?) to push their musical craft to new levels on Give Yourself Away. Robbie Seay Band will be a part of one of the main sessions on Wednesday at the Arts Conference.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the music of Robbie Seay Band! Click here to visit their site and listen to some of their latest tunes.