In this episode of 'We Move Forward Together', Sister Barbara Schwarz discusses the intersection of art and spirituality, emphasizing how creativity is inherent in human nature.

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Art as Preaching03:11 The Role of Creativity in Human Nature05:54 Art as a Reflection of Humanity08:53 The Creative Process of Art11:58 Art's Interpretation and Impact15:00 Art and Social Issues17:57 Nature as Inspiration for Art21:04 The Joy of the Poor and Community23:58 The Dominican Institute for the Arts26:48 Conclusion and Call to ActionShe shares her journey as an artist and preacher, illustrating how art serves as a medium to express and reflect on social issues, humanity, and the divine. The conversation explores the creative process, the impact of art on society, and the inspiration drawn from nature and community. Sister Barbara also highlights the importance of the Dominican Institute for the Arts in fostering artistic expression among its members.TakeawaysArt is part of our nature as human beings.Creativity is in our DNA.Preaching is what we do with our lives.Art can get us from the head into the heart.Art shows the presence of God.The arts can preach to social ills.The poor are often the happiest.Art has a life of its own.Nature inspires my art.Everyone has a bit of artist in them.We Move Forward Together, an initiative of the Amityville Dominican Sisters, invites individuals and groups to connect with us through our existing ministries to explore spirituality, ecology, social justice and community building. Through events and experiences, participants make new friends, forge new ministries and create partnerships in order to advance justice and truth for all.To learn more about our ministries, history, and how you can join the Dominican Family:Website: www.sistersofstdominic.org We Move Forward Together: info@wmft.org Dominican Associates: associates@amityop.org"Preach the Truth as if you had a million voices. It is silence that kills the world." - St. Catherine of SienaSisters of St. Dominic of Amityville: Called to be Signs of Joy and Hope We are an active contemplative community. What You Will Find Here:This channel showcases our dedication to promoting human dignity and alleviating social ills across our ministries. You will see how we are actively responding to the needs of the time, both locally and globally.• Social Justice & Empowerment: Learn about our sponsored ministry, Opening Word (OPW), a literacy, ESOL, and job readiness program that holistically empowers adult immigrant women, addressing needs such as mental health and housing. Discover the Visitation Community in Copiague, which provides essential services like food, rental assistance, and temporary housing to immigrant families and refugees.• Ecology & Sustainability: Follow our commitment to Pope Francis' Laudato Si' Action Platform. See the results of our partnership with the Peconic Land Trust, which created an agricultural conservation easement on 10.4 acres of our Motherhouse property for perpetual preservation and organic projects, including planting sunflowers and caring for honeybees.• Community & Spirituality: Explore We Move Forward Together (WMFT), an initiative inviting individuals and groups to connect with us to advance justice and truth for all by exploring spirituality, ecology, social justice, and community building.Seek Out More Information and Join Our Mission:We invite you to follow our stories and subscribe as we continue to journey forward together. You can become partners in our mission through several avenues:• Dominican Associates: Women and men, single or married, who are companions to the Sisters in the journey of "Holy Preaching".• Dominican Young Adults: Those aged 18-35 captured by the spirit of St. Dominic to "preach with their lives".• Volunteers: Opportunities are available at the Motherhouse in Amityville or within our ministries.