Spring 2017 — The Call Begins

​

During the Centennial celebration of Our Lady of Fatima (100-year anniversary), Drew experienced a profound call to help others learn how to pray. This inspiration led to teaching prayer through the first iteration of The Restless Heart - initially named the Marian Institute.

​

​

 

 

 

                                                                   

 📸 Photo: Our Lady of Fatima during a prayer procession in Fatima, Portugal

 

2018–2019 — The Marian Institute Forms

 

With a mission to teach everyday people how to pray, Drew partnered with Blake Brooks and Br. Tom Junis, SBJ, developing outlines and reflections on connecting with Jesus, listening to the Holy Spirit, and staying close to God the Father.

 

​

​

​

​

​

 

📸 Image: First Marian Institute logo

 

2020 — Pandemic Prayer Videos

 

As the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt, Drew, Blake, and Br. Tom began recording simple, heartfelt videos on their phones. These offered spiritual support during isolation, focusing on prayer, encouragement, and staying rooted in faith despite fear and distance.

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

📸 Photo: First Restless Heart hike at Starved Rock

 

2021 — A Creative Shift

 

Blake shared a video by musician Matt Maeson, sensing a spiritual depth in his raw, gritty style that mirrored Drew’s own. This sparked a pivotal transition—from purely teaching prayer to hosting encounters with God through art, music, and vulnerability.

 

December 2021 — First Public Event: “Restless Art”

 

The team rebranded as The Restless Heart and launched their first major event at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago. The night blended storytelling, prayer, music, and reflection—marking the start of a new movement centered on Artistic encounters with God.

 

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

📸 Photo: Athenaeum Theatre 

 

December 2022 — Drew (DRU) Releases Book & Debut Album

​

• Healing of a Restless Heart — a spiritual memoir

• Keep the Heart — produced and mixed by Chicago music legend Jack Murray

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

📸 Photo: Drew recording and performing “Keep the Heart” with Jack Murray

 

2023–Present — Empowering Other Artists

​

Inspired by the mentorship he received, Drew began helping fellow artists share their stories through creative coaching, storytelling, and live events. The mission: support local talent from idea to impact—from their first whisper of a dream to the main stage.

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

📸 Photos: Original Restless Art crew | Restless Art group shot

 

💬 Our Heartbeat

​

We don’t claim to have all the answers—just a deep desire to walk with people who feel that same creative restlessness.

 

“Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” — St. Augustine

 

Whether you're praying in your bedroom or performing on a stage, your art matters. And we’re here to help you share it.

 

🚀 What’s Next?

 

We’re just getting started. Restless Heart Events is the result of over a decade of ministry and eight years of discernment—and we believe our best work is still to come.

Thanks for being part of the journey.

​