Welcome!

The Abbey is a virtual monastery offering a variety of online classes, reflections, and resources which integrate contemplative spiritual practice and creative expression. Learn more about who we are.

We have created a 7-day Prayer Cycle of Morning and Evening Prayers with the theme of Earth, Our Original Monastery. The written materials are available now and the audio and video podcasts will slowly be released week by week.

The Monk Manifesto is a set of 8 principles that form our core commitment as monks in the world.

Christine Valters Paintner, OblSB, PhD, REACE is the online Abbess of Abbey of the Arts, a Benedictine oblate, and the author of several books on monastic spirituality and creativity, as well as a poet, retreat facilitator, spiritual director, pilgrim guide, and teacher.

John Valters Paintner, MTS is the the online Prior of Abbey of the Arts, and is a fiction writer and pilgrim guide alongside of Christine.  He has a Masters in Theological Studies and brings over twenty years of experience in parish youth & young adult ministry and Catholic theological education.

Abbey of the Arts is deeply grateful to have a Wisdom Council as a gathering of support for the contemplative and creative work happening here.  Each member is wise and gifted and a long-time member of this community.

There are many ways to participate in our community. The Holy Disorder of Dancing Monks is the name of our Facebook group for conversation with kindred souls.

You can choose our daily, weekly, or monthly email newsletters. When you subscribe you also receive a free 8-week online retreat on becoming a Monk in the World. We never sell your name and you can unsubscribe at any time.