GROW Spiritually & SUCCEED Creatively
Step into the artist God designed you to be!
AEM empowers mainstream artists and creative professionals to embody the transformative power of the gospel in the art world and entertainment industry.
We care about the whole artist!
Joel & Michelle Pelsue are the founders of both Arts & Entertainment Ministries(AEM) and the Arts & Entertainment Institute(AEI) in Los Angeles, California. They are both artists in their own right. Joel is a classically trained musician and Michelle is a classically trained actor. Joel & Michelle have been the "boots on the ground," ministering to artists in major art and entertainment hubs for over 30 years- places like New York, London, and Hollywood ---where they live now. Their mission is to equip and train artists and creative professionals working in the mainstream art world and entertainment industry to succeed creatively and grow spiritually. Their teachings are born out of three decades of "hands-on" experience in the entertainment and art capitals as well as theological training and research.
“The Catalyst Program for artists has literally changed my life. The way I understood it before beginning it, the course was created as a way to help artists get to the next level as business people – but I have to say, I don’t think I had a clue as to how useful, important and valuable the course would be for me in particular. I started with a vague idea that I needed to get my “ducks in a row” – but Michelle Pelsue is an extraordinary teacher and resource whose experience, knowledge and wisdom I did not fully comprehend until I was immersed in this program. Her commitment to the material and to helping each participant find their connections to it was amazing. In the time that I have been in this course, I have explored many aspects of my artistic career that previously felt overwhelming and out of reach – but Michelle’s systematic and thorough format of teaching, exploration (and homework!), brought the material into bite sized chunks that felt natural and doable – even while there were challenges. With Michelle’s mentorship and also the friendships with colleagues in the Catalyst group – I have been able to get myself ready for an entirely new chapter of my career. A few months into the program, I was starting to feel prepared, more confident about what I was putting out in the world and I knew my mission and goals. My artist friends began to ask me, “how do I get what you are getting from your artists’ group?” They noticed the change in my professionalism. And then when changes started happening speeding up my career – I found I was ready for them! I had a marketing plan, a better understanding of the value of my art and I could speak to my artistic vision clearly. I knew what I wanted and I had a website to prove it. None of this would have happened without this course. As an added note – being able to have a spiritual component to this group and course is something that cannot be quantified. Arts and Entertainment Ministries already offers a wealth of blessing, community and ministry for artists of all kinds, but to get into this level of depth with someone who can pastor you in your career as a creative…. that’s incredibly rare to find and has been the utmost value for me as I move forward boldly, knowing that I am called to this life as an artist.”
Liberty Worth
Fine Artist & Textile Designer
“Joel and Michelle are a rare treasure who are leading the charge on serving the needs of creative Christians everywhere. I really can’t say enough good things about them.
The organization they have built is the “go to” resource for anyone of faith looking to grow their creative career or business. The Catalyst Course they offer is a comprehensive training and education that will help you fill in the missing gaps that you may not be aware that you have.
Michelle does an excellent job of leading the course with a teacher's heart. She is committed to helping you succeed by patiently walking you through the process every step of the way. Her and Joel have been doing this for a long time and have the expertise to help you overcome almost any challenge you could be facing as an artist. Taking their course is one of the best decisions that I ever made!”
Dylan Wheeler
Painter
"Taking AEM’s Catalyst Program should be on the list every Christian artist wanting to start a new creative business or getting an old and tired one revitalized. The course is methodically organized, clearly presented and practical. Be aware, though, it’s intensive, but you, and your approach to your work and business will benefit greatly. "
Steven Holloway
Filmmaker