Third Annual Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference Takes Place at Southern Adventist University

What happens when you put more than 250 artists and art enthusiasts who love Jesus into a room? The place begins to shine! Shine with joy, with beauty, and with inspiration. This was the experience at the 2026 Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference, organized by Southern Adventist University and hosted at the campus church. From March 23-24, 2026, attendees had the opportunity to learn, grow, network, and be inspired to utilize their artistic skills and passions for Christ.

Speakers included Southern Adventist University professors, alumni, and notable presenters from the broader Christian community, such as Randall Goodgame, creator of the Scripture Hymnal; Pete Peterson, author and artistic director of The Rabbit Room; Richard Hickam, AdventHealth director of Music and the Arts; Matt Maher, Grammy-nominated musician; and many others. They covered a wide range of topics: some niche, some philosophical, some general.

The Illuminate conference featured a pop-up book shop where attendees could purchase materials. [Photo: Illuminate]

In his plenary session Jonathan Rogers, author and host of The Habit podcast, shared about artists’ role as “border walkers”—people who have the unique ability “to share news of a better land to their tribe—their communities.” In the second plenary session Junius Johnson presented a talk on the theology of wonder, sharing how in holy wonder we step onto “ground zero of the Holy Spirit,” because “wonder is the way to respond to God.”

Illuminate also offered hands-on workshops, such as an introductory class on pottery throwing, psalm-writing, and a poetry open mic. Darcie Denton, a young Adventist fine artist and alumna of Southern Adventist University, worked on an acrylic painting in the conference lobby during the event, sharing live insight into her creative process.

John Hendrix presented workshops about the intersection of theology and art, and the implications of the emergence of AI on art. [Photo: Illuminate]

Matt Maher closed the conference with a concert that drew hundreds of additional people from the community, sharing his journey with Christ, his struggles, and his joys through his music.

Illuminate is an interfaith experience, opening its doors to Christian artists and enthusiasts from the community and beyond. Attendees—a mixture of artists, art students, educators, ministry leaders, pastors, and patrons of the arts—gathered from 14 states and together created a meaningful moment of art, worship, and shared passion for expressing faith through the arts. The event facilitates connection points and opportunities for relationship building on the common ground of Christian arts.

Darcie Denton exhibited her art and engaged with attendees about her painting. [Photo: Illuminate]

This was the third consecutive year Southern Adventist University hosted this conference. It has gained traction and attendees each year, providing a space for Christian artists—a rare treat within the Adventist Church.

Next year’s Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference will once again be held in the spring; exact dates will be announced this fall.

Attendees had the option to join a pottery-throwing workshop. [Photo: Illuminate]

Darcie Denton worked on an acrylic painting in the conference lobby during the event. Her piece is called Further Up, Further In (Portal II)). [Photo: Illuminate]

Junius Johnson gave a plenary presentation on the theology of wonder. [Photo: Illuminate]

Music was an integral part of the worship experience at the third annual Arts + Faith Conference. [Photo: Illuminate]