Our Story

It was in a passing conversation in 2011 that Rick Warren asked Jim Dobbs, Saddleback Communications Director, “What are we missing here at Saddleback?” Jim replied, “Do want my honest answer?” Rick nodded. “I think we’re missing the visual arts.” Not long after, Saddleback’s leaders stepped out in faith to provide the basic resources necessary for a culture of visual artists to thrive. Saddleback Visual Arts was born.

So, why the visual arts? There are many things that could have answered that “What’s missing” question. Countless artists, especially those of faith, are seeking to have a greater voice, role, and place in their communities. We believe that if the church does not shape itself to nurture artists, we flatten our ability to share the awe and beauty of God with our communities.

Saddleback Visual Arts is community that disciples, equips, and sends-out artists that better understand their calling, influence, and impact. This transformational creative community makes the Bride of Christ more beautiful and gives the world a better understanding and view of God.

Jason Leith

Arts Initiative Director

I am the current Director and Pastor here at Saddleback Visual Arts. My passion is socially engaged art or when art intersects with relationship. Sacred Streets is a recent project of mine which featured found object portraits of the homeless I befriended on Skid Row, Los Angeles.

I graduated from Biola University with my BFA and I’m currently working on a Masters in Global Leadership at Fuller Seminary with an emphasis in Art & Theology at Fuller’s Brehm Center.