Artist-in-Residence Weekends with Erin Gleeson

Erin Gleeson, New York Times bestselling author, artist, and creator of The Forest Feast, offers artist-in-residence weekends for synagogue communities that combine creativity, food, Jewish tradition, and meaningful connection.

Since the publication of her first book The Forest Feast in 2014, Erin Gleeson's work has centered on bringing people together through food and art. Now, after five cookbooks and a watercolor guide, that mission remains unchanged. In a time when meaningful connection is increasingly valued, cooking and painting offer simple yet powerful ways to gather, create, and build community.

Judaism in Color

Judaism in Color is an artist-in-residence program that brings together watercolor, food, creativity, and Jewish tradition through seasonal, hands-on experiences for all ages. Programs can be customized to coincide with Jewish holidays, Shabbat, or seasonal celebrations and may include watercolor workshops, cooking classes, communal art projects, author talks, and family programs.

Seasonal Themes

Shabbat (Year-Round)
Watercolor can serve as a creative and contemplative practice that complements the spirit of Shabbat. Perhaps we’ll bake challah, make vegetarian recipes, paint a tablecloth for the Shabbat table and hand paint Shabbat candles. Programs may be designed around hosting, gathering, gratitude, and the beauty of the shared table.

Fall
Celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot through watercolor New Year cards, seasonal produce studies, and recipes featuring apples, pomegranates, and other harvest ingredients.

Winter
Explore the beauty of Tu BiShvat through watercolor studies of trees and the Seven Species, culminating in a community seder including recipes we’ve made in a Forest Feast cooking class. Hanukkah-inspired workshops may include painted cards, menorahs, painted candles, and seasonal crafts.

Spring
Inspired by Purim and Passover, participants might paint spring flowers, herbs, and festive table decorations for a seder while exploring themes of renewal, creativity, and freedom.

Summer
Gather inspiration from farmers' markets and seasonal produce, or celebrate Shavuot with watercolor, flowers, and dairy-inspired recipes and gatherings.

Sample Spring Residency Weekend

Programs can be adapted for any congregation, group size, season, or holiday.

Thursday Evening

Watercolor at the Spring Table: Creativity, Renewal & the Season of Growth

A beginner-friendly watercolor workshop celebrating spring ingredients, flowers, and the themes of renewal and community. Participants will contribute to a collaborative painted tablecloth inspired by seasonal produce and gardens, which will be used during for Shabbat dinner.

Friday Afternoon

Preparing an Artful Shabbat Table

Before services, Erin leads an interactive vegetarian cooking and creativity workshop inspired by her Forest Feast cookbooks. Together, participants will prepare edible and artistic elements for the communal Shabbat table, including hand-painted Shabbat candles.

Friday Evening

Shabbat Dinner & Author Conversation

Following services, guests gather for a seasonal communal meal and conversation exploring the connections between food, creativity and Jewish gathering. The evening includes a visual presentation slideshow, Q&A, and book signing.

Saturday Morning

Family Watercolor Workshop: Signs of Spring & Passover

A joyful, all-ages workshop inspired by spring flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables associated with the Passover season. Families will create watercolor blessing cards to take home and do a cooking class inspired by in the ingredients on the seder plate and Erin’s Forest Feast for Kids cookbook.

JCC Palo Alto (Palo Alto, CA)
Wine & Watercolor
A large-scale evening event featuring a visual presentation, book talk, wine reception, and watercolor workshop for more than 100 participants.

Temple Beth El (Madison, WI)
Watercolor Potluck
A community meal followed by a watercolor workshop for 85 participants, bringing together creativity, food, and conversation in a congregational setting.

Gamble Garden (Palo Alto, CA)
Watercolor Brunch
An outdoor brunch and floral watercolor workshop for 40 participants set among the gardens, celebrating seasonal flowers and creative gathering.

Artist-in-Residence Weekends begin at $5,000 plus travel and materials. Programs are customized to each congregation's size, schedule, and goals.

Bringing Creativity, Community, and Connection to Your Congregation

Each residency is thoughtfully designed for your community. Whether centered around Shabbat, a seasonal holiday, adult learning, family engagement, or a special congregational event, Judaism in Color offers meaningful opportunities for participants to gather, create, learn, and connect.

To inquire about bringing Erin Gleeson to your congregation, please reach out!

Erin Gleeson
The Forest Feast
erin@theforestfeast.com