Phil Vischer, the man behind the 50 million unit selling VeggieTales® series and the new online children's network, JellyTelly® will be among the featured speakers for this week's Wonder Arts Conference taking place from June 9 - June 12 at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois.

Vischer's talk entitled "Tales From a Tomato" chronicles his own story of accomplishment and disappointment, and illustrates practical ways to creatively show the world God's love without losing the passion that got it all started. With an inside look into his journey before and after Veggie Tales, Phil will share how he was able to rediscover the joy and purpose that is found in ministry.

The 2009 Wonder Arts Conference is created to give participants new possibilities to expand creative repertoire through inspiring, equipping and encouraging teachers and artists serving in the local church. Worship leaders, songwriters, vocalists, actors, drama directors, writers, vocalists, and technical artists will be among the expected 2,500 in attendance.

Other featured speakers include Nancy Beach, Vice President of the Arts for the Willow Creek Association, Darlene Zschech, Hillsong Worship Leader, Songwriter and Author, Joel Houston, Hillsong Worship Leader and Producer for Hillsong United, and 15 other breakout session speakers.

For more information on Phil Vischer, visit www.philvischer.com
For information on the Wonder Arts Conference, visit www.willowcreek.com


ABOUT PHIL VISCHER
Phil Vischer made his first animated film when he was nine years old; by the age of fourteen, he was convinced he would be a filmmaker when he grew up.

After a brief stint at a Bible college, Phil struck out on his own, looking for a way to integrate his faith with his filmmaking. This quest led him to a tomato and a cucumber. The year was 1991, and Phil was a newly married 25 year-old with no financial backing and no idea how his vegetables would ever see the light of day.

Today, almost 50 million VeggieTales videos have been purchased and Phil's faith-filled stories can be found in one-third of all American homes with young children. Although Phil's original company, Big Idea Productions, collapsed in bankruptcy in 2003, Phil continues his creative involvement with VeggieTales through its current owner.

Phil also is actively developing new ways to integrate faith and storytelling through his new creative shop, Jellyfish Labs (JellyfishLabs.com). Phil captured the breathtaking rise and heartbreaking fall of Big Idea Productions in the book Me, Myself & Bob. He is also the author of the popular children's books Sidney and Norman and 47 Beavers on the Big Blue Sea. Phil lives with his wife Lisa (aka Junior Asparagus) and their three kids in Wheaton, Illinois. For more information, visit www.PhilVischer.com.