Catholic Artist Didn't Think Her Work Was Good Enough. Then a Month at a Benedictine Monastery Changed Her Life.

Catholic artist Kelly Luong found new creative direction through a month-long residency at St. Gertrude’s Monastery in Cottonwood, Idaho. Luong participated in the St. Gertrude’s Artist in Residence program, which provides women visual artists, musicians, and writers with studio space and the chance to join the Benedictine community life.

Luong said she sought the residency during a difficult period when she felt she was failing to grow spiritually. She described feeling like she was breaking rather than molding under God's grace. After praying for guidance on how to change, she discovered the monastery's program and applied despite hesitating about whether her art was good enough.

During her time at the monastery, Luong immersed herself in the Benedictine schedule of Mass, prayer, silence, work, meals, and community. She said this experience taught her to rest, create without restriction, and use her vulnerable artwork as a way to show love to others.