.webp)
Beauty matters and so do those who create it
We're transforming Birmingham by cultivating its creative community
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
We believe in restoration, reconciliation, and redemption. We believe beauty is what will transform the world. We believe in cultivating Birmingham's creative community so our city will flourish.
For Artists
“Being an artist can be a lonely occupation. InSpero is an empowering tool. It’s a place to come be encouraged and inspired.”
Adam Wright, Founder, Act of Congress
You may feel alone or discouraged, and wonder if your work matters. InSpero nurtures artists and artisans by creating opportunities to connect and collaborate in community. We need you, your work, and your voice for the good of our city.
For Participants
“InSpero’s artful ways of practicing hospitality and community are so needed, and I can only hope others will catch the vision they embody so winsomely.”
Allen Levi, Singer-songwriter
When we fail to slow down and enjoy beauty, life can lose its meaning and we end up disconnected from ourselves and others. InSpero organizes gatherings to inspire people through music, hospitality, story, and art.
For Birmingham
“Artists are prophets who remind us of beauty, truth, and goodness in a broken world. When I hear those words, I think of InSpero's impact on Birmingham. Our artists remind us all that beauty matters."
Melissa Loudon
We believe in Birmingham. Since our first event in 2013 to honor the fiftieth anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, we have empowered creative community to help bring hope and healing to our city.
For the Faith Community
“InSpero communicates the importance of the arts by encouraging local artists, facilitating conversations between pastors and artists, and bringing in speakers to help our community grapple with how we can reclaim beauty and the arts for the church.”
Gisela Kreglinger, PhD, Author and Theologian
InSpero provides a bridge for the church to reach out to the creative community to better serve our city. We also bring beauty into the church through collaborations with artists and musicians.
For Pastors
“InSpero offers a natural bridge for churches to reach out to artists in authentic mutual relationships where we seek the good of our city together.”
Joel Brooks, Pastor, Redeemer Community Church
InSpero sees pastors as artists and prophets, sharing their gifts and voices for the good of our churches and city. We help support and encourage you to stay in your story and calling and provide ways for you reach out to the creative community.
For Donors
“InSpero’s thoughtfully planned and well-executed events always leave me thirsty for more. I’m reminded that my story matters and to persevere in my vocation as an artist and employer of artists. My heart is full and enlarged for the greater good of my city."
Susan Gordon, Founder, Susan Gordon Pottery
We need you to join us in this beautiful story of redemption, restoration, and reconciliation. We believe in the long-lasting fruit which comes from authentic relationships and small things done slowly over long periods of time. Believe with us, for the good of our city.
.webp)
.webp)
InSpero loves to gather people together in events of beauty, hospitality, art, music, stories, food, and hope. Sign up to get updates in your inbox, and download the calendar so you know what's coming up.
Upcoming Events
November 22, 2024
You’re invited to slow down and prepare for Advent at a quiet lakeside cottage with music, art, and a lectio divina. Lunch, coffee and snacks will be provided. Limited to 20 participants. Whisper Woods Lake is located in Vincent, about 30-50 minutes from most Birmingham locations.
Check Back Soon
Sold Out
Nov 22, 2024
You’re invited to slow down and prepare for Advent at a quiet lakeside cottage with music, art, and a lectio divina. Lunch, coffee and snacks will be provided. Limited to 20 participants. Whisper Woods Lake is located in Vincent, about 30-50 minutes from most Birmingham locations.
Check Back Soon
Sold Out
Join us →
Nov 22, 2024
You’re invited to slow down and prepare for Advent at a quiet lakeside cottage with music, art, and a lectio divina. Lunch, coffee and snacks will be provided. Limited to 20 participants. Whisper Woods Lake is located in Vincent, about 30-50 minutes from most Birmingham locations.
Learn more about Beauty for Ashes here.
Check Back Soon
Sold Out
Get tickets →
December 5, 2024
South Highland Presbyterian Church is excited to partner with InSpero to welcome the broader community of churches and friends to sink into the Advent season together. Immanuel is a Christmas concert of folk-pop songs, with nine originals and one classic carol retelling the Christmas story through the perspective of the angels and people who were there. Melanie will be accompanied by a live band with musicians from both Nashville and New York.
Check Back Soon
Sold Out
Dec 5, 2024
South Highland Presbyterian Church is excited to partner with InSpero to welcome the broader community of churches and friends to sink into the Advent season together. Immanuel is a Christmas concert of folk-pop songs, with nine originals and one classic carol retelling the Christmas story through the perspective of the angels and people who were there. Melanie will be accompanied by a live band with musicians from both Nashville and New York.
Check Back Soon
Sold Out
Join us →
Dec 5, 2024
South Highland Presbyterian Church is excited to partner with InSpero to welcome the broader community of churches and friends to sink into the Advent season together. Immanuel is a Christmas concert of folk-pop songs, with nine originals and one classic carol retelling the Christmas story through the perspective of the angels and people who were there. Melanie will be accompanied by a live band with musicians from both Nashville and New York.
Learn more about Beauty for Ashes here.
Check Back Soon
Sold Out
Get tickets →
Past Events
September 19, 2024
InSpero Presents Wilder Adkins & Mandi Mapes at Workplay Theatre! All Ages. Table Reservations available.
Check Back Soon
Sold Out
September 19, 2024
InSpero Presents Wilder Adkins & Mandi Mapes at Workplay Theatre! All Ages. Table Reservations available.
Check Back Soon
Sold Out
Learn More →
June 26, 2024
Come hang out and enjoy a live concert with Jess Ray and Taylor Leonhardt - it's gonna be a night to remember!
Check Back Soon
Sold Out
June 26, 2024
Come hang out and enjoy a live concert with Jess Ray and Taylor Leonhardt - it's gonna be a night to remember!
Check Back Soon
Sold Out
Learn More →
April 16, 2023
Representatives of several churches in the area will gather at Union Missionary BaptistChurch in Homewood to listen to Rev. Edward Steele preach and join in worship led by Liz Vice. Because of the size of the church, this will be a by-invitation-only event. This is supported by Homewood Community Church and the Rosedale Food Bank.
Check Back Soon
Sold Out
April 16, 2023
Representatives of several churches in the area will gather at Union Missionary BaptistChurch in Homewood to listen to Rev. Edward Steele preach and join in worship led by Liz Vice. Because of the size of the church, this will be a by-invitation-only event. This is supported by Homewood Community Church and the Rosedale Food Bank.
Check Back Soon
Sold Out
Learn More →
“Stories make us more alive, more human, more courageous, more loving" (Madeleine L’Engle).
November 20, 2023
Mary Madeline Schumpert reflects on Inspero's Creatives Connect at Exvoto in Mountain Brook.
View More →
February 2, 2023
Billy Ivey reflects on Inspero's 2023 Vision Retreat at Storybrooke Lodge.
View More →
January 21, 2023
Artists and visionaries from Birmingham and Nashville gathered at Storybrooke Lodge January 2023 for InSpero's annual vision retreat. This year Stephen Roach of Makers & Mystics spoke on "Restoring the Heart of the Artist."
View More →
November 9, 2022
Board member and artist entrepreneur Lucy Farmer reflects on her visit to the quilters of Gee's Bend, Alabama.
View More →
September 29, 2022
Sara Groves and Dylan Spencer in conversation about how creativity and beauty change the world.
View More →
June 27, 2022
It was at Rivendell the hobbits think through the vocation they have been given, carefully working out the who and what and where of the odyssey that will be theirs. But integral to all that they were, and to all that they would need to be, was the table at Rivendell, a place for the best conversations and the best food and the best drink — simply said, a wonder of wonders." Steve Garber
View More →
April 19, 2022
The never-ending hope of Easter, Writer Andrew Shaughnessy shares reflections on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and why hope and beauty matter. "We hope because we know a day is coming when, to paraphrase Sam in The Lord of the Rings, “everything sad will come untrue,” when our Creator King will dry every tear and bind up the broken hearts and restore the sundered cities and turn the world upside down."
View More →
February 7, 2022
Photographer and writer Erin Nolen, shares her reflections on our winter retreat.
View More →
December 29, 2021
Emily Thayer, a writer and baker, invites weary people into a life of rest.
View More →
August 11, 2021
Amanda Blake, InSpero Advisory Council member, artist, entrepreneur, advocate, and teacher speaks about her experiences as an educator and muralist.
View More →
July 14, 2021
Bruce Herman shares his thoughts on the role of perspective and self-forgetfulness in relationships.
View More →
July 7, 2021
Melodi Lewis, our summer intern, sat down with songwriter and storyteller Taylor Leonhardt about the power of keeping a tender and open heart in storytelling.
View More →
June 17, 2021
We are so excited to introduce our summer intern, Melodi Lewis.
View More →
June 2, 2021
We were stirred by Jonathan's discussion of territories vs. hierarchies as it relates to artists and writers. As a writer himself, he encourages creators to push past the tendency to compare and tend to their own journeys as creators.
View More →
May 14, 2021
A poem written by InSpero Board Member and author Marjean Brooks in honor of her beloved brother and artist.
View More →
May 6, 2021
Author and spiritual director Charlotte Donlon writes about how art will help us heal from our pandemic loneliness.
View More →
April 21, 2021
Watch short documentary of E. Bruce Phillips, Jr. as he shares his perspective on art and life in Birmingham. Produced by Bruce Nix, filmmaker with Under Cover Entertainment
View More →
April 9, 2021
Allen Levi and Andy Gullahorn shared their love of story, their friendship, their music and much laughter on March 5, 2021.
View More →
December 21, 2020
Matt Redmond, counselor, author, and pastor shares why he believes as artists are in a unique place to help us break through the darkness and see what's real and see what's ahead.
View More →
November 10, 2020
Melissa Loudon reflects on why "Hamilton" made her realize why beauty matters so much. . . . especially now.
View More →
July 17, 2020
Gina Hurry and InSpero were featured in the July edition of Birmingham's B Metro magazine.
View More →
June 1, 2020
As InSpero acknowledges the deep racial wounds of our city, our posture is one of kneeling, not standing.
View More →
April 15, 2020
Recent events before Covid. Resources for artists during COVID-19.
View More →
February 6, 2020
Last year, Gina and Nancy boldly asked you to join us in sustaining InSpero in this year of growth and opportunity.
View More →
September 25, 2019
A few images from our amazing sold-out 5th annual Magic City Storytellers at the Clubhouse on Highland
View More →
May 20, 2019
InSpero cares deeply about beauty and those who create it.
View More →
February 26, 2019
From a contemplative retreat to begin the Lent Season to an intimate evening with David Wilcox and Andy Gullahorn followed by a songwriters' workshop to our annual Magic City Storyteller evening, there's something special coming up.
View More →
December 7, 2018
Preview of David Wilcox, highlights of Advent retreat
View More →
October 10, 2018
InSpero packed its fifth birthday celebration on September 14.
View More →
August 7, 2018
Gina attended a ]ymposium given by artist Mako Fujimura and InSpero board member Dr. Steven Garber in Vancouver, British Columbia.
View More →
June 9, 2018
Andy Gullahorn, amazing singer/songwriter from Nashville, connected with a group of InSpero’s creatives this week
View More →
May 15, 2018
InSpero's Fourth Annual Magic City Storytellers is just a month away on Thursday, June 14.
View More →
March 16, 2018
InSpero invites you to see the works from thirty Birmingham area artists who have created art in response to the Victor Hugo quote "Those Who Do Not Weep Do Not See."
View More →
February 2, 2018
We invite the creative community of visual artists, artisans, visionaries, and those who love our city to join us to discuss and create around Victor Hugo's quote "Those who do not weep do not see."
View More →
December 28, 2017
HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTION HELPS FULFILL OUR VISION FOR BIRMINGHAM: InSpero believes in the power of creative community to help bring beauty, hope, and healing to our city and churches.
View More →
September 25, 2017
As InSpero celebrates its fourth anniversary, Gina and I look back in amazement and gratitude.
View More →
May 18, 2017
Make room for an evening of stories and songs at the Clubhouse on Highland at InSpero's Third Annual Magic City Storytellers.
View More →
April 27, 2017
Stories give us a thread of hope that there’s more to come and we can survive.
View More →
February 20, 2017
Heaven has been described as: "The regions where there is only life and therefore all that is not music is silence.” Lent retreat and Thy Love Inspires
View More →
November 23, 2016
Before the holidays hustle you away, slow down this Sunday, November 27 at Creation Waits
View More →
November 13, 2016
Dr. Gisela Kreglinger, a German theologian raised on a vineyard invites us to come to our senses.
View More →
November 3, 2016
InSpero’s fourth annual Creation Waits invites you to go from the hustle of the holidays to the wonder of what the Christmas season truly means.
View More →
October 11, 2016
Come experience the City Beautiful / Church Beautiful events with Steve Garber and Andi Ashworth
View More →
September 23, 2016
Wellon was so gracious to allow us to use her art for the invitation for InSpero’s October events featuring Steve Garber and Andi Ashworth.
View More →
September 3, 2016
Matt has been a friend a partner of InSpero’s for about two years.
View More →
August 16, 2016
We met Connie through InSpero's Thy Love Inspires events.
View More →
July 15, 2016
Charity Ponter has been connected to InSpero for about three years.
View More →
July 9, 2016
This April, InSpero hosted a Pastor/Artist Dinner at Feast & Forest. Preview of other events
View More →
July 1, 2016
InSpero is delighted to highlight Corey Nolen. Corey is a Birmingham-based photographer and musician.
View More →
May 9, 2016
“Entertainment” gets a bad rap when confused with “amusement.” Amusement is literally activity done “without the Muses” — that is, mindlessly.
View More →
April 8, 2016
A small gathering of musicians, potters, painters, writers, and other artists met with Sandra McCracken
View More →
January 20, 2016
"Yet whatever else it may be, Lent should never be morose—" Shauna Niequest, Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter
View More →
January 19, 2016
Everyone loves a good mystery. Words from Marjean Brooks
View More →
November 18, 2015
Hundreds of people from around the city enjoyed great art, music, food and conversations at InSpero's Steel City Makers 5 Man Show
View More →
October 19, 2015
Birmingham was birthed out of steel. Come to see 5 artists
View More →
October 18, 2015
These five artists use different media, come from different backgrounds, and stir different responses. But together, they show a glimpse of what Birmingham is and will be.
View More →
September 22, 2015
I'm speaking on "Does Beauty Matter?" at Q Commons Thursday, September 24
View More →
September 10, 2015
"For a good life, knowing must become doing..." Steven Garber, board member of InSpero, in his book "Visions of Vocation."
View More →
June 4, 2015
Two InSpero events last month show the power of creative collaboration to bring hope and beauty to our city and churches.
View More →
May 5, 2015
InSpero shares the vision of Madeleine L'Engle of "showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it."
View More →
February 24, 2015
InSpero believes when creative community flourishes, the city will flourish.
View More →
February 16, 2015
That question is the heartbeat of InSpero.
View More →
January 19, 2015
“The forces that threaten to negate life must be challenged by courage, which is the power of life to affirm itself in spite of life’s ambiguities.
View More →
December 30, 2014
"Disturb us, Lord when we are too pleased with ourselves..."
View More →
December 4, 2014
As a native Floridian, the experience of seasons as a part of the rhythm of life did not come until my college years.
View More →
November 25, 2014
Advent is the waiting for someone and something of extreme importance. That someone is not Santa Claus and that something is not more “stuff” under a Christmas tree or an elf on a shelf.
View More →
November 12, 2014
InSpero will introduce you to each of our amazing Board of Advisors. We begin with Marjean Brooks, co-author of "The Way of Grace."
View More →
October 7, 2014
“More than we could imagine” That’s what we keep saying as we look back on our first “official” year.
View More →
June 9, 2014
My friends have a luscious confederate jasmine framing their front door.
View More →
May 21, 2014
I find humor in a lot of things...
View More →
May 16, 2014
I begin by saying I'm glad there is Someone bigger than me to blame for this Conversation I'm inviting you into.
View More →
May 5, 2014
InSpero hosted Kate Harris at a lunch where she spoke on calling and creativity.
View More →
April 17, 2014
Lent Day 39, Good Friday, April 18
View More →
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
We are privileged for the wisdom, vision, leadership, and prayers of our Board of Directors. They guide, support, and advocate for InSpero, and hold us true to our mission to bring hope and healing to Birmingham through nurturing creative community.
Our Advisory Council shares InSpero’s vision to help Birmingham thrive through helping its creative community flourish. They advocate, endorse, support, offer insight, and invite others to work with us for the good of our city, our creative community, and our local churches.
InSpero cultivates hope and meaning for artists, churches, and the people of Birmingham by caring for our creatives and organizing opportunities for them to share their beautiful gifts with our city. Any questions? Please reach out to nancy@inspero.org.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
