The Sacred Studio at Galería Sánchez is a creative sanctuary where faith and art meet. It offers workshops and events designed to help individuals and communities encounter God in meaningful, tangible ways. Whether you are a couple, a young person, a single adult, or part of a women’s gathering, these experiences are crafted to invite you into deeper reflection, expression, and connection.
Through guided artistic practices and faith-centered teaching, participants are encouraged to explore their inner world, give voice to their spiritual journey, and engage with God in fresh and transformative ways. The Sacred Studio is not about artistic perfection—it is about authentic expression. Here, art becomes a language of prayer, a space for revelation, and a pathway to healing and renewal.
Our workshops foster both personal intimacy with God and shared connection with others. As you create alongside others, you step into a community where stories are honored, faith is deepened, and hope is cultivated. The Sacred Studio exists to nurture the soul, awaken creativity, and inspire lives that reflect beauty, purpose, and the presence of God in the world.
Meet the Hosts
Ibelisse and Merl, the married couple behind The Sacred Studio, combine art, faith, and education to guide transformative creative experiences. They met as friends at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where Ibelisse studied painting, drawing, printmaking, and arts education, and Merl explored painting, drawing, graphic design, photography, fashion, and videography—building on a lifelong passion for music. Both were raised in households shaped by accomplished artistic fathers, nurturing their love for creativity from an early age.
Their commitment to faith runs deep. Ibelisse holds a Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary and a Master of Social Work from the University of Chicago, while Merl earned a Bachelors in Pastoral Studies and a Masters in Global Ministry Design from Moody Bible Institute. Alongside their artistic practice, their theological studies inform every workshop, creating spaces where creativity becomes a form of prayer, reflection, and spiritual connection.
Together, they lead The Sacred Studio with authenticity, warmth, and a passion for community. Ibelisse and Merl invite participants to explore their own creative voice in a safe, nurturing environment, where art becomes a language of revelation, healing, and hope—helping individuals and communities encounter God in fresh and transformative ways.