Melanie Weidner is a Quaker Artist , Spiritual Director / Coach , workshop leader and teacher, whose contagious love for art, listening, metaphor, poetry, and spiritual exploration create joyful and transformative openings for self-reflection.

	first watercolor, age 5
	Petroglyphs, Albuquerque NM

"I started making drawings and paintings long before I lost my first tooth, but two decades passed before I began to understand the deep connections between art and spirituality. While studying in seminary, God surprised me with the life-giving power of art-making as an expression of prayer and relationship. Now I listen for joy in sacred art-making, teaching, and spiritual coaching.

My passion and creativity rise up from my BE-ing, soul, and connection with God / Spirit / the Beloved / Holy One. My images and teaching are shaped by my Quaker contemplative spiritual practice, poetry, love for Earth and all beings, my life (and near death) experience, my story of coming out, the beauty and courage I see in all people, and by reverence of all kinds from many traditions. I hope my work will inspire your connection to Spirit’s wild abundance and transforming love, and will encourage you to step bravely into the sacred gift of who you are."

Melanie earned a BA degree in Religion with an Art minor from George Fox University, a Master of Divinity degree in Spirituality from the Earlham School of Religion, and a Certificate in the Art of Contemplative Listening from the Namasté Center.  In 2002-03, she served as the Minnie Jane Quaker Artist in Residence at the Pendle Hill Quaker Contemplative and Study Center.  She's a member of Spiritual Directors International.  

Melanie currently sojourns in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Portland, Oregon.