The Art of Advent: Defending Joy Through Illumination - Advent Learning Series with Artist DG Smalling

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November 09, 2025

Advent Dinner & Learning Series

The Art of Advent: Defending Joy Through Illumination
Wednesdays, December 3 & 17 at 6 p.m.
Sundays, December 7 & 21 at 10 a.m.
Themes: Hope • Peace • Joy • Love
Join us this Advent season for a unique learning and art experience led by Oklahoma artist D.G. Smalling, exploring The Art of Advent: Defending Joy Through Illumination. Through the Indigenous practice of Ledger Art, participants will engage in four reflection sessions centered on the Advent themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Each gathering combines spiritual reflection, community, and creative expression, inviting us to encounter the holy story in a new and vivid way.
Participants will work with selected background images—such as hymns, maps, or scriptural texts—creating their own artistic responses that celebrate life, gratitude, and the light of Christ in this season of waiting.
Rooted in the words of St. Paul to “defend your joy,” this series will explore how art and faith can build joy as an act of resilience and thanksgiving in uncertain times.
At the conclusion of the series, participants’ works will be displayed as part of the Cathedral’s Advent celebrations, a collective illumination of hope and joy.
Dinner provided on Wednesday sessions.
All are welcome—no prior art experience required. 4th Grade through Adults welcome for the Art of Advent; Younger Children in the Undercroft. Questions? Contact Page Jackson. 

Please note on Wednesday, December 10, our 6 p.m. Advent Dinner will be a social time with a sock exchange and donation, and baking together for those in need!

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