Guelph Seminar
What We Do
The Guelph Seminar is an informal group representing
diverse religious perspectives that fosters meaningful community conversations
by bringing thoughtful and provocative speakers to Guelph. Through these
engaging presentations, we create opportunities for dialogue that enriches and
deepens faith understanding across different religious traditions.
Upcoming Event - 8 October 2025
LIVING LANGUAGE LAND:
Word portraits from the Earth
with
Lorraine Roy – Fabric Artist
Fabric artist Lorraine Roy speaks about her exhibit Living-Language-Land, with slides and some original pieces.
Each “word portrait” depicts a word from endangered and minority languages, bringing together themes of nature and earth-based spirituality. Join the artist on her humble and mind-altering journey.
Arboretum Centre Auditorium
250 Arboretum Rd, Guelph
Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Time: 7:30-9PM
Cost – $20. on Eventbrite
or at the Door
LIVING LANGUAGE LAND: Word portraits from the Earth
Word portraits from the Earth is a series of stitched interpretations inspired by Living-language-land, a collection of 26 specially chosen words from endangered and minority languages from all over the world. These beautiful words reveal complex and elemental connection to land and nature. Because most do not have any direct translation to English, I created these ‘visual portraits’ to call attention to their richness and depth. They bring together themes I’m passionate about: our relationship with nature, love of words and language, and earth-based spirituality.
These pieces are made of a multitude of fabrics assembled by machine stitchery and raw edge collage. I will speak about my humbling and mind altering journey guided by these words: portals into the hearts and minds of some of the world’s most earth friendly peoples.
More about the project: https://lroyart.com/collections/living-language-land
Recent Past Event (21 March 2025)
A Wonderful Evening with the Knitting Pilgrim
ABOUT US
Mission/Purpose
An informal group of people,
of differing religious and spiritual communities and outlooks, which, in the absence of a religious studies department at the University of Guelph,
work collaboratively with the wider Guelph community, to bring to the city or identify within it,
thoughtful leaders who would help
foster conversations that matter,
discussions that might not otherwise happen,
deepening understanding about topics of shared concern, trusting that learning leads change
and facilitates better spiritual, social and environmental health for all.
