God created you to be creative!
Join us for a fun week of learning, exploration, and creation for teens.
About Faith & The Arts Academy
Unleash your creativity and let your talents tell His story!
Whether it’s painting, writing music, singing, building, theater or other art forms, God created us to be creative! The Academy is design for 12-17 year old students to chance to grow in your creative gifts this summer while discovering how art can be an expression of your faith. Connect with other creative teens, learn from inspiring mentors, and see how your talents can glorify God in powerful ways.
Click to RegisterEmma Walldorf
Academy Director
As an Edwards native, Emma Walldorf is deeply passionate about sharing Jesus with the youth of the Vail Valley. After graduating from Vail Christian High School in 2017, Emma studied voice and ethnomusicology at Wheaton College, receiving her Bachelor of Music in 2021. Emma has had the privilege to be trained a competitive soprano, most recently having earned her Master of Music from Missouri State University in 2024. She has spent time as a songwriting intern with the band Urban Doxology and was a songwriting scholar with First & Calvary Presbyterian Church. She released her first EP, Heart Gone Wrong, in 2022 (under artist name Emma Cerovich), and has songs featured on two F&C LIVE church albums in 2023 and 2024.
Kurt Pressler
Lead Pastor
Kurt’s calling in life is to glorify God and serve others by joyfully activating people into taking new ground. He married the love of his life, Martha, in November 2000 and together they have three wonderful sons: Christian, Luke, and Joseph.
Early in his career, Kurt lived in Dallas, working in accounting and raising his family. He and Martha attended Fellowship Bible Church Dallas, where it did not take him long to begin investing in others. He started a discipleship group at the company he was working for and, as time went on, began taking on more responsibility at Fellowship, from leading small groups and discipling parents to becoming an elder. In 2013, he decided to step out of the business world and into vocational ministry full-time.
His time in Dallas rooted him in his faith, growing his passion for discipleship and galvanizing his belief that every believer has a role to play and a calling to contribute. These values led him to the Vail Valley, where many are unchurched and live in isolation. His heart is for the transforming work of Jesus to take place and change the story, bringing a joy and hope that brings authentic, lasting satisfaction to those who are looking for fulfillment.
As Lead Pastor of Trinity, Kurt wants to see the church lean in to launch out, taking one courageous next step at a time by inviting others into the community of our homes and church, showing them how to follow Jesus, and teaching them to do the same for others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Faith & The Arts Academy for?
Due to the structure of the Academy sessions, the setting will be best geared towards ages 12-17. If you have a younger child who is interested in attending the Academy, please reach out to Academy Director, Emma Walldorf at Emma@trinityvailvalley.org
What is the schedule?
The Academy is a half-day program, running from 9am-12:30pm, June 9-13. We are tentatively planning a lunch and expo for Friday afternoon. We ask that attendees plan to arrive promptly by 9am each day. Please note that there is no afternoon option and families are responsible for transportation needs to and from the Trinity Edwards campus.
What are the track options?
Attendees will attend two tracks of their choosing for the week from the following: Music (vocal and instrumental), Painting, Theater, Building (with a focus on architecture techniques).
Do I need to bring anything?
Attendees participating in the Music track are encouraged to bring their own instruments, but all other materials will be provided.
Will lunch be provided?
Lunch will not be provided Monday thru Thursday but we will have snacks available. Attendees are welcome to bring a water bottle. We are tentatively planning a lunch and expo for Friday afternoon.
What is the cost?
The $45 registration fee covers the cost of all materials for the week. However, we do not want cost to prohibit anyone from attending the Academy. If cost is a concern, please reach out to Academy Director, Emma Walldorf at Emma@trinityvailvalley.org
Do I need to attend Trinity Church?
Everyone is welcome at Faith & The Arts Academy, whether they attend Trinity, another church, or do not currently have a church home! Please note that, while we will dive into specific instruction and techniques of individual art forms, the Faith & The Arts Academy will follow an overall faith-based curriculum. If you have questions about this curriculum, please reach out to Academy Director Emma Walldorf at Emma@trinityvailvalley.org
