Released on = December 12, 2006, 8:37 am

Press Release Author = Joey O\'Connor/The Grove Center for the Arts

Industry = Apparel & Fashion

Press Release Summary = The Grove Center for the Arts announced its plans to develop
the first national retreat center for arts in the Church. Founded in 2003 and led by
Executive Director, Joey O'Connor, the non-profit ministry received a donation of a
twelve acre avocado and lemon ranch located in Valley Center, California (North San
Diego). The Grove Center for the Arts offers retreats and programs to nurture the
spiritual development and creative vision of artists in the Church.

Press Release Body = "Whether Catholic or Protestant, in all of our research the
past three years, we have yet to find a national center for arts in the Church,"
states Executive Director Joey O'Connor. "There are wonderful colleges, universities
and churches where the arts are valued, but nowhere in Christendom do we see a
creative hub to leverage all of the creative artistic gifts within the Body of
Christ for the kingdom of God. We have assembled a wonderful team of architects and
developers to create a place where artists of every discipline can gather for
spiritual renewal, creative collaboration, and leadership development. We'd like to
see artists who are Christians make powerful contributions in art, creativity and
innovation within today's culture." Initial renderings of The Grove Retreat Center
show a large California mission-style home with small guest residences located
throughout the property. Equipped with a media center, artist studios, and
conference rooms, the retreat facility will host artist-in-residence and gatherings
targeted for artists from every discipline. O'Connor continued, "Fuller Theological
Seminary and Vanguard University have hosted The Grove Center for the Arts events,
which makes collaboration with seminaries, universities and other artistic
non-profits a high-priority for us." The Grove recently completed the aerial survey
and topography of the 12 acre property. The ministry also received a $250,000
matching gift for construction costs. "The 12 acres and the matching gift was a
complete surprise, so I have no doubt God will finish what He started. We still have
a long way to go, but for people interested in seeing the beauty, goodness and truth
of God expressed through film, theatre, music, and every artistic discipline, I know
God will continue to provide."

Web Site = http://www.thegrovecenter.org

Contact Details = Joey O\'Connor
The Grove Center for the Arts
28241 Crown Valley Pkwy. Ste. 154
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 369-6767 phone/fax
info@thegrovecenter.org