November 20, 2023

Guest Voices: Mary Madeline Schumpert , Localize

Mary Madeline Schumpert reflects on Inspero's Creatives Connect at Exvoto in Mountain Brook.

May 1, 2023

Guest Voices: Sue Tolle's "Indifference"

February 2, 2023

Guest Voices: Billy Ivey on Meandering Memories of Storybrooke

Billy Ivey reflects on Inspero's 2023 Vision Retreat at Storybrooke Lodge.

January 21, 2023

InSpero Vision Retreat 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."

November 9, 2022

Guest Voices: Lucy Farmer on the Quilting Artists of Gee's Bend

Board member and artist entrepreneur Lucy Farmer reflects on her visit to the quilters of Gee's Bend, Alabama.

September 29, 2022

Sara Groves: Creativity for the Good of Our City

Sara Groves and Dylan Spencer in conversation about how creativity and beauty change the world.

June 27, 2022

Guest Voices: Dr. Steve Garber on The Importance of the Table

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

April 19, 2022

Guest Voices:  Eastertide Reflections by Andrew Shaughnessy

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."

February 7, 2022

Inspero Retreat Reflections by Erin Nolen

Photographer and writer Erin Nolen, shares her reflections on our winter retreat.

December 29, 2021

Guest Voices: An Invitation To a Rested Life

Emily Thayer, a writer and baker, invites weary people into a life of rest.

August 11, 2021

Artist Feature: Amanda Blake

Amanda Blake, InSpero Advisory Council member, artist, entrepreneur, advocate, and teacher speaks about her experiences as an educator and muralist.

July 14, 2021

Guest Voices: Artist Bruce Herman on Seeing Outside Yourself

Bruce Herman shares his thoughts on the role of perspective and self-forgetfulness in relationships.

July 7, 2021

Tending To The Tender Hearts

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.

June 17, 2021

A New Addition To Our Team

We are so excited to introduce our summer intern, Melodi Lewis.

June 2, 2021

Artist Feature: Jonathan Rogers on Cultivating Your Own Little Patch of Ground

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.

May 14, 2021

Artist Highlight: "Doug of Brushy Run" by Marjean Brooks

A poem written by InSpero Board Member and author Marjean Brooks in honor of her beloved brother and artist. 

May 6, 2021

Why Art Can Help Us Heal from Our Pandemic Loneliness

Author and spiritual director Charlotte Donlon writes about how art will help us heal from our pandemic loneliness.

April 21, 2021

Bridge Builders with Bruce Phillips

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

April 9, 2021

Singer / Songwriter Retreat and Concert with Allen Levi and Andy Gullahorn

Allen Levi and Andy Gullahorn shared their love of story, their friendship, their music and much laughter on March 5, 2021.

December 21, 2020

An Advent Reflection: Why Artists Matter

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.

November 10, 2020

Why Beauty Matters to Me

Melissa Loudon reflects on why "Hamilton" made her realize why beauty matters so much. . . . especially now.

September 16, 2020

Ed Cash of We the Kingdom tells his InSpero story

September 16, 2020

Scott Cash of We The Kingdom tells his InSpero story

September 16, 2020

Artist Susan Gordon's InSpero Story

September 10, 2020

Marjean Brooks tells her InSpero story

July 17, 2020

The Power of Women: Gina Hurry

Gina Hurry and InSpero were featured in the July edition of Birmingham's B Metro magazine.

June 1, 2020

Social Justice and Equality in Our City and World

As InSpero acknowledges the deep racial wounds of our city, our posture is one of kneeling, not standing.

April 15, 2020

Update and Resources for Artists During These Times

Recent events before Covid. Resources for artists during COVID-19.

February 6, 2020

February 2020

Last year, Gina and Nancy boldly asked you to join us in sustaining InSpero in this year of growth and opportunity.

September 25, 2019

Magic City Storytellers 2019

A few images from our amazing sold-out 5th annual Magic City Storytellers at the Clubhouse on Highland

May 20, 2019

It's Been a Magical Year for InSpero

InSpero cares deeply about beauty and those who create it.

May 19, 2019

It's Time for Some More Magic!

Preview of Magic City Storytellers 2019

March 7, 2019

InSpero inspires creative community in Birmingham

February 26, 2019

Be Our Guest at InSpiring Events this Spring

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.

January 15, 2019

Seeking Ways to Sustain the Sustainers

Vision Retreat Highlights

December 7, 2018

David Wilcox Tickets Now Live!

Preview of David Wilcox, highlights of Advent retreat

October 10, 2018

Seeking the "Shalom" of the City

InSpero packed its fifth birthday celebration on September 14.

August 7, 2018

Five Years of Bringing Beauty and Hope to Birmingham through Creative Community

Gina attended a ]ymposium given by artist Mako Fujimura and InSpero board member Dr. Steven Garber in Vancouver, British Columbia.

June 9, 2018

The Question That's Haunting Us

Andy Gullahorn, amazing singer/songwriter from Nashville, connected with a group of InSpero’s creatives this week 

May 15, 2018

Birmingham: A City Rich in Stories

InSpero's Fourth Annual Magic City Storytellers is just a month away on Thursday, June 14.

March 16, 2018

What Makes You Weep?

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."

February 2, 2018

Weeping, Seeing, Dreaming

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." 

December 28, 2017

Beauty Matters and So Do Those Who Create It

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. 

November 22, 2017

Slowing the Season, InSpero's Heartbeat

Fall 2017 Highlights

September 25, 2017

Bearing Fruit that Will Last

As InSpero celebrates its fourth anniversary, Gina and I look back in amazement and gratitude.

May 18, 2017

Hear from Local Birmingham Voices at the Third Annual Magic City Storytellers: June 8

Make room for an evening of stories and songs at the Clubhouse on Highland at InSpero's Third Annual Magic City Storytellers.

April 27, 2017

Stories That Transport Us: Hear These Birmingham Voices on June 8

Stories give us a thread of hope that there’s more to come and we can survive.

February 20, 2017

An Invitation to Music and Silence

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

November 23, 2016

A Beautiful Way to Begin the Holidays

Before the holidays hustle you away, slow down this Sunday, November 27 at Creation Waits

November 13, 2016

An Invitation to Taste Joy

Dr. Gisela Kreglinger, a German theologian raised on a vineyard invites us to come to our senses.

November 3, 2016

Two Ways this Busy Season to Slow Down and "Come to Your Senses"

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.

October 11, 2016

The City Beautiful: Join Us for Special Events October 18-20

Come experience the City Beautiful / Church Beautiful events with Steve Garber and Andi Ashworth

September 23, 2016

InSpero People: Wellon Bridgers

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.

September 12, 2016

The "Flourishing" of Birmingham

Inviting you to the Art of Community

September 3, 2016

InSpero People: Matt Schneider

Matt has been a friend a partner of InSpero’s for about two years.

August 16, 2016

InSpero People: Connie Skellie

We met Connie through InSpero's Thy Love Inspires events.

August 1, 2016

InSpero People: Adam Wright

Adam is excellent at what he does...

July 15, 2016

InSpero People: Charity Ponter

Charity Ponter has been connected to InSpero for about three years.

July 9, 2016

Being Astonished by Beauty in Birmingham

This April, InSpero hosted a Pastor/Artist Dinner at Feast & Forest. Preview of other events

July 1, 2016

InSpero People: Corey Nolen

InSpero is delighted to highlight Corey Nolen. Corey is a Birmingham-based photographer and musician.

May 9, 2016

Entertainment that Expands the Soul: Magic City Storytellers

“Entertainment” gets a bad rap when confused with “amusement.” Amusement is literally activity done “without the Muses” — that is, mindlessly.

April 8, 2016

Leaning In and Making Space

A small gathering of musicians, potters, painters, writers, and other artists met with Sandra McCracken

February 23, 2016

Thy Love Inspires March 6

Highlights of upcoming events

January 20, 2016

Creating Space for God Allowing Him to Create Through You

"Yet whatever else it may be, Lent should never be morose—" Shauna Niequest, Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter

January 19, 2016

Embracing Mystery

Everyone loves a good mystery. Words from Marjean Brooks

January 19, 2016

The Link Between Beauty and Hope

Creation Waits highlights

November 18, 2015

O What a Night!

Hundreds of people from around the city enjoyed great art, music, food and conversations at InSpero's Steel City Makers 5 Man Show

October 19, 2015

Steel City Makers 5 Man Show Friday Oct 23

Birmingham was birthed out of steel. Come to see 5 artists

October 18, 2015

InSpero | 5 Man Gallery Show | Steel City Makers

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.

September 22, 2015

Flying Broken

I'm speaking on "Does Beauty Matter?" at Q Commons Thursday, September 24

September 10, 2015

For Love's Sake

"For a good life, knowing must become doing..." Steven Garber, board member of InSpero, in his book "Visions of Vocation."

June 4, 2015

The City Beautiful The Church Beautiful

Two InSpero events last month show the power of creative collaboration to bring hope and beauty to our city and churches.

May 5, 2015

InSpero Shining a "Light so Lovely"

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."

February 24, 2015

A Sense of Place: The Southern Landscape

InSpero believes when creative community flourishes, the city will flourish.

February 16, 2015

What Will We Do with This World Filled with Beauty and Brokenness?

That question is the heartbeat of InSpero.

January 19, 2015

The Courage to Keep Hewing Stone of Hope

“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.

December 30, 2014

InSpero's (Scary) New Year's Resolution "Disturb Us, Lord"

"Disturb us, Lord when we are too pleased with ourselves..."

December 20, 2014

Artists Pondering Advent II

Isaiah 9

December 4, 2014

An Artist Ponders Advent

As a native Floridian, the experience of seasons as a part of the rhythm of life did not come until my college years.

November 25, 2014

Slow Down This Season

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.

November 12, 2014

Board Member Highlight: Marjean Brooks

InSpero will introduce you to each of our amazing Board of Advisors. We begin with Marjean Brooks, co-author of "The Way of Grace."

October 7, 2014

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY INSPERO

“More than we could imagine” That’s what we keep saying as we look back on our first “official” year.

June 9, 2014

They Shall Know

My friends have a luscious confederate jasmine framing their front door.

May 21, 2014

A Pentecost Conversation (by faith- part 2)

I find humor in a lot of things...

May 16, 2014

An Invitation to a Pentecost Conversation (part 1)

I begin by saying I'm glad there is Someone bigger than me to blame for this Conversation I'm inviting you into. 

May 5, 2014

Re-Thinking Calling and Creativity

InSpero hosted Kate Harris at a lunch where she spoke on calling and creativity.

April 19, 2014

Darkness and Death Dies

Easter! April 20

April 18, 2014

For the Lord God Will Be Their Light

Lent Day 40, Saturday, April 19

April 17, 2014

A Day When There Will Be No More Darkness

Lent Day 39, Good Friday, April 18

April 16, 2014

Do You Know What You're Looking for?

Lent Day 38, Thursday, April 17

April 15, 2014

Walking Light and Clean

Lent Day 37, Wednesday, April 16

April 14, 2014

Called into Light to Proclaim Him!

Lent Day 36, Tuesday, April 15

April 13, 2014

Wake Up! You are a Child of Light

Lent Day 35, Monday, April 14

April 11, 2014

Delivered from the Domain of Darkness

Lent Day 34, Saturday, April 12

April 10, 2014

Dance in the Light

Lent Day 33, Friday, April 11

April 9, 2014

We are Both Jars of Clay and New Creations

Lent Day 32, Thursday, April 10

April 8, 2014

It's Time to Wake Up and Get Dressed

Lent Day 31, Wednesday, April 9

April 7, 2014

A Simple Choice

Lent Day 29, Monday, April 7

April 7, 2014

What's Keeping You in the Dark?

Lent Day 30, Tuesday, April 8

April 4, 2014

Light Wins

Lent Day 27, Friday, April 4