Faith, Imagination, and the Arts

How do the arts make the invisible visible?
How can beauty awaken our understanding of truth?
What does it mean to cultivate an imagination shaped by faith?

Join Ballet 5:8 for the 2027 Thick & the Clear Conference, a gathering of artists, scholars, students, and audiences exploring the relationship between Christianity, imagination, storytelling, and artistic practice.

Hosted this year at Park Community Church, the conference continues Ballet 5:8’s ongoing dialogue between faith and the arts — bringing together thoughtful conversation, live performance, and meaningful community engagement.

Inspired by the writings of C.S. Lewis and the enduring questions surrounding beauty, meaning, and human longing, The Thick & the Clear invites participants into a weekend that is both intellectually rich (“thick”) and spiritually transparent (“clear”).

Through lectures, discussions, meals, and performances, attendees will explore how art can illuminate truth, deepen compassion, and recover wonder in a distracted age.

Featured Guests

Guest speakers, artists, and discussion leaders will be announced soon.

Conference Experience

The conference includes:

• Main sessions and keynote conversations

• Breakout discussions and artist talks

• Shared meals and community gatherings

• Live Ballet 5:8 performances

• Opportunities for dialogue between artists, scholars, and audiences

Designed for artists, students, educators, pastors, and curious thinkers alike, The Thick & the Clear creates space for thoughtful engagement with the arts in both sacred and public life.

Event Details

March 19–20, 2027
Ballet 5:8 Black Box Theater

Additional schedule and registration information coming soon.

Come ready to think deeply, engage honestly, and encounter beauty together.