"Beauty for Ashes" Women's Christian Art Retreat
Moravian Falls, North Carolina
September 26-28, 2025
ONLY 12 SPOTS!!!
Sponsored by Redeemer’s Heart and Art, Mind, & Soul!
This is a fundraiser for this Redeemer’s Heart ministry. All retreat profits will be donated to Redeemer’s Heart.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
If you would like to make a donation to help someone who can’t afford it come to this retreat, you can make a donation HERE.
If you would like to come to this retreat but can’t afford it, you can apply for a half or full scholarship HERE.
The enemy comes to “steal, kill, and destroy” but Jesus came to give ABUNDANT LIFE! (John 10:10). Even though we know this, sometimes as Christians we still struggle with grief, past hurts, worry, anxiety, fear, addictions, shame, and other attacks from the enemy. He creeps in the back door and speaks lies over us. He twists God’s truths until we forget who we truly are in Christ. He destroys relationships by influencing our thoughts, words, and deeds towards others. He builds walls in our wounded hearts that pull us away from family, friends, and from the love of God. Enough is enough! Jesus died to give us a LOVE, JOY, and PEACE filled life NOW—not just when get to Heaven!
Redeemer’s Heart and Art, Mind, & Soul are partnering together again to offer another “Beauty for Ashes” art retreat designed to help bring inner healing and speak Kingdom identity into women of all ages and art ability levels. We will focus on Isaiah 61 and how Jesus is the one who binds the brokenhearted, brings liberty to the captives, gives a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a heaviness. We will speak God’s TRUTH to renew minds and break off the lies of the enemy. We will help women embrace the fact that they are BELOVED daughters of God and ROYAL HEIRS through their identity in Christ! (Romans 8:17)
Photos & Testimonies from last year’s Beauty for Ashes Retreat
Spiritual amazing things happened that I’d have never believed if I didn’t see them and experience them myself!!! God was working on each of us in our own way to bring healing and peace…God challenged me , grew me, called me out, and began new things within and through me because of this trip…Thank you again more than words can say for this opportunity and all you did to make it possible for me to attend.
-Amanda
I have been a prisoner to my past for quite some time now! I was a little hesitant to go, simply because I’m 100% an introvert and trust was hard for me! This retreat taught me that sometimes God speaks to us through other people! The teachings, worship, friendships created, leadership team, activities, conversations, and alone time with God was priceless! My heart is forever changed! Thank you!
-Stefani
Retreat Highlights
A 3-day 2-night women-only retreat in the breathtaking mountains of Moravian Falls, North Carolina!
The art activities and teachings will be focused on healing from past grief, hurts, and trauma. You will discover your true identity in Christ and how to live a life healed and full of joy, love, and peace as a beloved daughter of the King!
You’ll have one-on-one time to connect with God outside in nature on the beautiful property of Bramabella Vineyard.
There will also be an optional excursion to Prayer Mountain on Sunday afternoon. This is a destination where individuals from all over the world have traveled to for prayer, meditation, and fellowship with God. Learn more about Prayer Mountain HERE.
You will also receive some special Kingdom identity gift boxes at an inheritance ceremony on Sunday.
This retreat is limited to only twelve participants so book early to make sure you don’t miss out on this unique, mind renewing, and uplifting experience!
The Location
Bramabella
966 Cherry Grove Road, Moravian Falls, North Carolina, 28654
Bramabella is a 40-acre wedding venue with breathtaking views, a hillside vineyard, a blueberry orchard, a formal butterfly garden by the home, walking trails, and an ever-flowing peaceful stream with mini waterfalls. It’s the perfect place to spend some peaceful alone time with God.
Moravian Falls is located in western North Carolina, at the foothills of the Brushy Mountain range which is a spur of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Moravian missionaries settled here in 1753 and are best known for 100 years of continuous prayer that began in 1727. Many believe this opened up heavenly activity in Moravian Falls which is still ongoing today.
Art Activities
Summary
Participants will create two artworks–a painting and a mixed media artwork-both of which will use Holy Spirit inspired colors and techniques.
The artworks will be combined with the teaching of truths from scripture that focus on Isaiah 61. In the painting the Holy Spirit will help you identify the areas of your life where you still need heart healing. In the mixed media artwork we will focus on who you are in Christ and your unique God given gifts and calling. You will leave knowing your true identity– a beloved daughter of the Most High God!
Skill Levels
All skill levels are welcome! These artworks are EASY and designed with step-by-step directions, images, and demonstrations to make it a breeze for all! The creation process is very important–not just the end product. You don’t have to be an artist or even artistic to create the artworks successfully!
Methods & Materials
You will use an 11″x14″ stretched canvas and an 8″x10″ matboard, acrylic paint, brushes, glitter mixed with ashes, gems, a text transfer, and a crown applique.
Tentative Itinerary
Friday (9/26)
- 12 noon- 2:30 pm- Check-In at Bramabella, relax and explore the grounds.
- 3:00- 4:30 pm– Welcome and Session 1 part 1–Sharing and Teaching
- 5:00-5:45pm–Dinner
- 6:00pm-9:30pm Session 1 part 2– Heart healing acrylic painting activity and sharing time
Saturday (9/27)
- 8am-8:45- Continental style breakfast
- 9am- Teaching and sharing Session 2–Truth vs. Lies
- 12:00- Grab and go lunch / One-on-one time with God outside
- 3:00- Session 3 part 1–Beauty for Ashes Teaching, sharing, and begin Beauty for Ashes artwork
- 5:00- Dinner and free time
- 7:00 pm– Session 3 part 2–Identity Teaching & Finish Beauty for Ashes Artwork
- 9pm- Praise into His Presence (optional)
Sunday (9/28)
- 8 am-8:45– Continental-style breakfast
- 9 am- Praise, worship, message and ministry time
- 11:00 am– Inheritance ceremony
- 12:00- Lunch
- 1:00 pm- Baptisms (optional)
- 2:00-4:30- Excursion to Prayer Mountain OR prayer/art/free time at Bramabella
- 5:00- Dinner
- 6:00- Fellowship, Art, & Free Time
- 8:00 pm- End of retreat and check out (but if you have a long drive you can stay and leave in the morning).
Speakers
Elana Brownfield
Elana is a passionate artist and the founder of Redeemer’s Heart, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to reaching people with the love and hope of Jesus Christ through visual art. In this season, she is joyfully channeling much of her creative energy into Art, Mind, & Soul LLC, where she partners with the Holy Spirit to co-create meaningful, faith-inspired art and experiences. One of its divisions, Beyond Blessed Weddings, serves as a marketplace ministry offering Christ-centered wedding décor, altar crosses, and floral rentals that speak truth and beauty into marriage ceremonies.
After teaching junior and senior high art in public schools for 28 years, Elana now pours her heart into work that beautifully blends artistry, entrepreneurship, and ministry. With over 45 years of Bible study and church involvement, she has also completed the “ALL IN” discipleship training through Life with Christ Ministries along with an online Art Therapy course and an Art Sozo training.
Elana absolutely LOVES telling people about Jesus, sharing her testimony, and speaking truth and Kingdom identity into the lives of women of all ages. She’s excited to be using her God-given artistic gifts to share her faith and love on others in new ways during this season of life!
Marci Burgett
Marci is an adult case manager in the mental health field who carries a deep passion for both art and sharing the love of Christ. Her creativity shines through in many forms—from painting and baking to transforming discarded clothing into beautiful, faith-filled works of art. This passion inspired her to launch Clothed & Crowned, a business where she partners with the Holy Spirit to design prophetic jackets and hats that declare Kingdom truths and identity in Christ.
After walking through a difficult life event, Marci now celebrates it as the very catalyst that led her to Jesus. Since then, her life has been a vibrant testimony of His redemption and grace. She has served in recovery ministry and children’s ministry for the past five years and is currently finishing up a degree in practical ministry at Malone College. She has also volunteered for Redeemer’s Heart over the past four years.
Marci has traveled extensively across the United States through her previous work and still loves to explore new places. In her free time, you’ll find her with her three children–the three people she most loves to do fun and faith centered activities with! Her heart’s desire is to be a walking billboard for Jesus!
Catharine Healy
Catharine passionately loves Jesus and longs to express the wonders of who He is in everything she does. Her love for clayware started in her youth, where out of all the art mediums, the tactile nature and the 3 dimensional quality captured her attention. A clay vessel is formed by the potter’s hand creating form and surface design unique to its purpose. God is our Master Potter and we are his clay where we are formed on the wheel for our divine purpose.
While throwing a piece on the wheel, Catharine will share her testimony of how Holy Spirit shared life changing truths with her about submitting to Master Potter’s hand.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvelous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well. -Psalm 139:14-15 (KJV)
But now, Oh Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. -Isaiah 64:8 (NKJV)
Catharine received an Associates Degree with emphasis in art studies, where she did a lot of intensive studies in Ceramics. Then she worked 12 years in Corporate America where she opted for a corporate buyout and went to Interior Design school, receiving Associate of Science degree in Interior Design. Catharine worked for more than 20 years as a Residential Interior Designer heading up her own company. In 2016 Catharine pursued the call of God to study further in the Ceramics Arts field and now owns and operates Mark 1st Fire Art Studio in Asheville, North Carolina. Catharine continues to encourage a creative community to create to the Glory of God.
Room Accommodations
Options for this retreat are as follows and prices vary accordingly. The price listed is the cost if shared where applicable.
- COMMUTER ($220)–You may choose to commute to the retreat venue each day. This includes all retreat food, art materials, teaching sessions, and gifts. It does not include overnight accommodations. If spots are sold out, check back prior to the retreat to see if more commuter spots are available. Or you can request for your name to be put on a waiting list. Email elana@redeemersheart.com
- MAPLE PRIVATE ROOM for 1 ($520)–You will have your own private room with a Queen-sized bed, however, a bathroom will need to be shared with others.
- OAK SHARED ROOM for 2 ($470 each)— You will share the King-sized bed and room with one other person in your party. This room is connected to it’s own private bathroom.
- BIRCH SHARED ROOM for 2 ($445 each)— You will share a King-sized bed and room with one other person in your party. A bathroom will need to be shared with others not in your party.
- POPLAR SHARED ROOM for 2 ($420 each)—RESERVED You will share a Queen-sized bed and room with one other person in your party. A bathroom will need to be shared with others not in your party.
- HICKORY SHARED ROOM for 1, 2 total in the room ($405 each)–There is a Double bed plus a Single trundle bed in this room that you will share with one other person not in your party. We will connect you both so you have an opportunity to get to know each other before the retreat. A bathroom will need to be shared with others.
- SPECIAL ROOM ACCOMODATIONS CHANGES: If you would like a private room that is listed as a shared room, this may be possible 2 months prior to the retreat if the room isn’t booked. The cost for the room would be adjusted and an additional commuter ticket(s) would be offered. Please email elana@redeemersheart.com to communicate your request as soon as possible.
- OTHER ROOM CONSIDERATIONS: We will have a twin air mattress with foam topper and portable single fold-away bed available if you would prefer not to sleep in the same bed with another. In addition, if you would like to come by yourself but are open to the possibility of sharing a room with someone to save on the cost, let us know. We can either put two together who are willing to share a room or connect two women together by sharing contact information so the two of you can discuss this possibility with one another.
If you would like to make a donation to help someone who can’t afford it come to this retreat, you can make a donation HERE.
If you would like to come to this retreat but can’t afford it, you can apply for a half or full scholarship HERE.
Food
- All meals will be included starting with dinner on Friday through dinner on Sunday.
- We will be serving delicious fresh fruit, vegetables, and additional selections tailored to the dietary needs and restrictions of the participants.
- Breakfasts will be “continental” style–come and go as you please.
- Lunch on Saturday and Sunday will be a “grab-and-go” picnic type food bag.
- Dinner on Friday and Saturday will be sit down fellowship style. Dinner on Sunday will be pizza with an option to eat together or take outside and eat on your own.
- Snacks, water, coffee, and hot tea will also be provided throughout the retreat.
Additional Items to Bring
Bible
You will be utilizing a Bible throughout the retreat. A phone or tablet to look up verses would also be helpful.
Dress for Inheritance Ceremony
Please bring a white or light-colored dress to wear that makes you feel beautiful or like a princess for the special Inheritance Ceremony on Sunday.
Baptism Clothes/Shoes
Blanket and/or Folding Camp Type Chair
For your outdoor free and one-on-one God time.
Journal and/or Sketchbook
These are optional, but you may want to bring one or both if this is something you think you may want to utilize.
Additional Food/Drinks
You may bring extra food, snacks, or drinks. However, please try to keep items to a minimum if they require refrigeration or bring a small cooler to keep your items cold. There will most likely be minimum extra room in the refrigerator in the kitchen. There is a keurig, drip coffee maker, and icemaker. No alcoholic beverages are permitted please.
Outdoor Items
Comfortable walking/hiking shoes, a walking stick, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, bug spray, umbrella, etc. Some of the optional trails are steep so hiking shoes with good tread and a walking stick are highly recommended if you choose to walk on these paths. There are a few walking sticks at Bramabella that can be used if you don’t have one.
What’s Included
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Overnight accommodations unless you choose the commuter option.
- All meals Friday dinner through Sunday dinner
- Snacks, water, coffee, and hot tea all day each day
- All art materials
- All teaching sessions
- Kingdom inheritance gifts
- Bramabella amenities: WiFi, central & electric heating, central A/C, washer/dryer, linens/towels, complimentary shampoo/bodywash/conditioner, laundry detergent, hair dryer, clothing steamer, hangers, trash bags/paper towels
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel insurance
- Transportation to and from the optional Prayer Mountain excursion.
- For the Commuter option, overnight accommodations are not included.
Registration Procedures & Payment Options
- Determine which room you would like to reserve and who else will be sharing the room with you (if any).
- You (plus anyone else in your party) need to read and agree to the Retreat Terms and Conditions found below. This includes all commuters as well.
- Contact those in your party who will be sharing a room with you (if any) and get their email addresses.
- Please email your name and the names and emails of any other women who will be in your room to Elana Brownfield at elana@redeemersheart.com by WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2025.
- Elana will verify that the room is still available and will hold it for you for 24 hours during which time at least a 25% deposit must be received by each person in the room. Each person must first complete the registration form that Elana will email to you. Then you will each make your payment. This payment can be made using PayPal or a credit card here on the Redeemer’s Heart website via the secure one time donation option on our Support Redeemer’s Heart Donation page. Please indicate in the notes area during payment that it is for the retreat and which room you are reserving.
- Make arrangements with Elana via email regarding when the remaining payments will be made if not paying in full. Installment payments are okay, but ALL FINAL PAYMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th, 2025
Retreat Terms & Conditions
Reservation:
- You must email elana@redeemersheart.com by WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2025 and pay a 25% deposit within 24 hours of her room confirmation reply to hold your spot(s).
Cancellation Policy:
- 100% refund 40+ days before retreat start date
- 50% refund 20-39 days before retreat start date
- 0% refund 0-19 days before retreat start date (unless you find someone to replace you, in this case you will receive a 100% refund).
- Travel insurance is highly recommended.
- If for any reason we need to cancel this retreat, you will receive a 100% refund
Remaining Balance
- Remaining balance is due by Friday, September 12th, 2025.
- If you cancel 0-19 days before your retreat start date, any money already paid is refundable according to the cancellation policy above (unless you find someone to replace you in which case you will receive a 100% refund).
Age Requirement
- All participants must be 16 years of age or older. A parent or legal guardian of all participants under 18 must also agree to all retreat terms, conditions, and agreements.
Women Only
- All participants must be biological women.
Alcohol and Illegal Substances
- No alcohol, drugs, marijuana, or illegal substances of any kind are allowed.
Questions?
Contact Elana Brownfield at elana@redeemersheart.com with any questions.