workshops, writing, design
Consulting, speaking, & illustration
One of my students at the Montreat Worship Conference with the work we created together!
workshops
I have more than a decade of experience as a teacher and facilitator. I’ve led workshops at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the National Christian Unity Gathering, the Wild Goose Festival, the Montreat Worship Conference, and Music and Worship Arts Week at Lake Junaluska. I love to combine wonder and whimsy in my teaching, check out a little video of one of my printmaking classes that was part science experiment, part splash party!
My helpmate Pumpkin and one of my many journals
Consulting
Thinking about starting an art ministry in your church? Want to create a new visual identity for your organization? Wondering how to make your worship services more inclusive of different types of learning styles? I’m here to help! I’ll work with your group to help you build transformative creative communities.
My writing and artwork has been featured in a variety of print and digital platforms.
writing
Over the years, I have written a variety of articles and blogposts for all sorts of publications. I have collaborated with Church Health Center, Women of the ELCA, and the National Religious Campaign Against Torture in creating social justice oriented curricula for Christian communities.
Preaching in the chapel at United Lutheran Seminary
speaking
I love speaking and preaching both in faith-based and secular contexts. I have traveled around the country with my ongoing Stations of the Cross projects, visiting communities and sharing with them the stories and experiences that have driven these projects. You can find a video of one of my Stations presentations here. And you can find some of my sermons over on my blog!
Set design for the Greater Atlanta Christian School Nativity Ballet
Design: stage & worship
I absolutely love working with clients to develop stunning set designs for worship conferences, ballets, and plays. I create backdrops, banners, and mobiles for immersive, visual experiences.
An icon in honor of Michael Brown
illustration
I work with both organizations and individuals to create meaningful illustration work. The above icon of Mike Brown was commissioned by the Candler School of Theology at Emory University for their Good Friday observances in 2019.
Reach mary at marybethbutton@gmail.com
“ I have worked with Mary on a variety of projects, from collaborative worship installations to commissioned works for organizational use as well as personal gifts. Most recently I purchased her stations of the cross series on the border crisis for use with my multi-cultural congregation. The images and reflections provided new openings for folks to connect with a complex and painful reality. She is a gifted artist and a deep thinking individual who approaches every piece with curiosity, imagination and true insight. I always look forward to any opportunity to work with Mary. She continually leaves my expectations in the dust.”