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SHAMBHALA ART
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Upcoming Shambhala Art Intensive May. 2008
Upcoming Teachers'
Shambhala Meditation Download 2008 Shambhala Art Brochure.
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International Director of the Shambhala Arts Day Festival: Violaine Morinville email : dancecolors@yahoo.ca (514)715-3521
In collaboration with Acharya David Schneider email : david_schneider@shambhala-europe.org Lance Brunner, Shambhala Arts Council email : Lance.Brunner@uky.edu Katie Hanczaryk, Vajra Dawner, email : kt_hanczaryk@hotmail.com ----------------------------------------------- Shambhala Arts Day Festival – Representatives 2006 April Reports Albany
New York Albany - Albany - NY, Troy Shambhala Meditation group & NY Expressive Arts Institute: Ellen Rook, Suzanne Dansereau and Lois Gundrum Email : ewrook@gmail.com, danses12180@yahoo.com, lgundrum1@nycap.rr.com Announcement : In Albany NY, we are planning a co-sponsored event by Albany Shambhala Meditation Center, Troy Shambhala Meditation Group and New York Expressive Arts Institute on Sunday afternoon, March 12. The afternoon will include a number of workshops including mask making, painting, theater and poetry and will include performances and exhibits. Here's a link to a blog entry on the day: http://albanyshambhala.blogspot.com/2006/01/shambhala-arts-day-march-12-2006.html Shambhala Arts Day is celebrated throughout the Shambhala Community in conjunction with the Spring Equinox. Its goal is to celebrate sacred arts in the world and to create the roots of enlightened society. Shambhala Arts Day will include gatherings, workshops and performances. See schedule below; workshop descriptions follow the schedule. This free event is co-sponsored by Shambhala Meditation Center of Albany, Troy Shambhala Meditation Group and New York Expressive Arts Institute will take place on Sunday, March 12, 1-6 PM at 4 Central Avenue, 2 nd Floor, Albany, NY. Parking is available on the street and in the lot behind 4 Central Ave. Come for any part of the afternoon or the entire program. You're welcome to perform or display your work at the 5 -6 pm closing gathering. Please pre-register for workshops by Thursday, March 9.To pre-register or to arrange to display or perform, contact Lois Gundrum at lgundrum1@nycap.rr.com or call her at (518) 273-3951. Schedule: 1:00 – 1:25 Gathering the Mind Opening the Mandala, Meditation and Greeting Session One Workshops (Select One) 1:30 – 2:20 Haiku, Ellen Rook 1:30 – 2:20 Country Craft of Wooden Spoon Carving, Karen Starr 1:30 – 3:20 Embodied Maitri: The Art of Restorative Yoga, Robert Cuozzi, RYT (110 Minutes, continues through Session Two) 2:30 – 3:20 Session Two Workshops (Select One) Flower Arranging, Dina Leone Ceremonies for Creating Sacred Space, Marie Brander 3:30 – 4:50 Session Three (Select One) Masks: Exploring Mask and Human Energy, Janis Young Expressive Painting, Denie Whalen Thai Yoga Therapy, Robert Cuotzzi RYT – Individual 30 Minute Sessions Contact Robert to reserve at Robert@yogaforliving.com. 5:00 Closing Celebration - Group Sharing, Gallery & Performance Displays include paintings, fabric arts, flower arrangements, jewelry and incense holders. If you would like to share your work, please contact Lois Gundrum (see below). Workshop Descriptions: EMBODIED MAITRI: THE ART OF RESTORATIVE YOGA - Robert Cuozzi, RYT (110 minutes) Restorative Yoga can be viewed as self-directed love, and a method par excellence for achieving peaceful abiding. It has also been described as "active relaxation" and "a body holiday" in its power to relax the body, restore the nervous system and arouse tranquility. Using blankets, bolsters, pillows, blocks, straps and other "props" to support the body, practitioners generally experience profound shifts in their nervous system, thus allowing a physiological shift to deep restfulness, calm abiding and well-being. Gravity does "the work" as the body progressively relaxes and softens. As this occurs, so do the signs and symptoms of stress, such as depressed or elevated moods, hypertension, muscle tension, digestive problems, high cholesterol levels, eyestrain, headaches and more. THAI YOGA THERAPY: MINDFULNESS AND METTA – Robert Cuozzi, RYT (individual 30 minute sessions) An ancient healing art dating back to 500 BCE, Thai Yoga Massage was practiced in the Buddhist Temples of Thailand. Based on the transmission of Metta (loving-kindness) it is deeply healing to body, mind and spirit. Many describe it as a combination of assisted, or passive Hatha Yoga, accupressure, reflexology, energy work and massage. CEREMONIES FOR CREATING SACRED SPACE - Marie Brander (50 minutes) In this experiential workshop participants will explore interrelated ceremonies for creating Sacred Space in everyday life. Activities will be based on the four-step Space Clearing Process. Space Clearing is a ceremony that assists in purifying stagnant energy and assisting new energy to flow. We will begin by exploring methods used by indigenous cultures for inviting guidance from the powers of The Medicine Wheel. We will then move on to create a blessing alter, a personal invocation or prayer and (using our meeting space) complete an energy purification process. What Participants should bring: Please bring a rattle, drum, bells, gong, or feathers (if you have access to them.) They are not necessary but your personal item may enhance your experience. If you have a special cloth the size of a large placemat please bring it, and any items special to you that you would want to place on the alter cloth; stones, rock, crystal, small statue, animal totem, picture, etc. THE COUNTRY CRAFT OF CARVING WOODEN SPOONS - Karen Starr (50 minutes) Karen will demonstrate the craft of carving wooden spoons from firewood with simple hand tools and home finishing methods. Take home instructions and a resource list will be provided. You are welcome to take pictures to help you remember the process after you get home. MASKS - Janis Young (80 minutes) This workshop will NOT be making masks; but, rather, exploring what it is like to integrate mask energy and human energy using sound and movement exercises, haikus, and loose improvisation. No performance experience is necessary. Participants will experience a hands on connection to three different mask types in a series of approaches designed to draw out mind/body wholeness, awareness of the moment, and letting go. Wear loose clothing, bring water and an open spirit. EXPRESSIVE PAINTING WORKSHOP - Denie Whalen (80 minutes) Experience body-centered, free-form painting at this expressive painting workshop. This is time to be with yourself in the company of others and to slip into the fun and wonder of the creative process using the low skill/high sensitivity approach of Expressive Arts. Practical instruction and guidance, together with suggested themes for personal exploration and time for reflection. All materials will be provided. Comfortable, washable clothing suggested. FLOWER ARRANGING DEMONSTRATION – Dina Leone (50 minutes) Dina has studied Kado (Shambhala form of contemplative flower practice) and Sogetsu (one of the traditional Japanese ikebana schools). She will do two flower arrangements: one moribana (in a flat dish) and one nagiri (upright vase style), explaining the principles she's using as she goes. Bring a notebook, if you'd like to take home some basic suggestions. HAIKU WORKSHOP - Ellen Rook (50 minutes) See the world through Haiku eyes. Participants will read and write haikus individual haiku, and create a group haiku "renga" to share at Shambhala Arts Day Closing. Experienced and new haiku poets welcome. Albany Shambhala Meditation Center Campus Arts Center, Holy Names Academy 1069 New Scotland Road, Albany, NY 12208 http://www.albany.shambhala.org 518-375-7041/518-439-7618 Report : Here's a link for the Report & pictures : http://www.artsday.blogspot.com Ellen Amsterdam, Netherlands : Helen Vink Email : helenavink@worldonline.fr Announcement : March 18, Saturday evening; diner and gathering with all the artists of the sangha of all disciplines, to exchange and celebrate. March 19, Sunday evening; presentation to the community. Helen Report : Shambhala Arts Festival Amsterdam, March 18 & 19 2006 Saturday evening: - artist’s diner Sunday evening: - exhibition by various artists - ‘Journey of the Senses’ guided adventure by Jordis Jakubczick - Reading by Meino Zeillemaker, of his own hear play. The coming together of this celebration was a true magical and an ‘on the spot’ event! Thank you Violaine for the spark! In Amsterdam the diner was meant as a platform for sangha artists of all kinds, to meet and celebrate. As preparation I sent 2 sheets to everyone what I could find about Dharma Art and Shambhala Art.(see attachments) The idea of ‘platform’ turned out to be true, 18 people showed up on Saturday, during a wonderful diner. Even some artists not connected to the mandala felt invited and came. Painters, drawers, writers, performers, dancers, photographers, graphic designers, ceramic, singer, actor, all were there! During the diner everyone was asked to get up and tell who they are, what discipline they are practicing and doing, and why they are here. This took about 2,5 hours and magic, curiosity, gentleness and a lot of sparks were around. One of the remarkable sparks, except for the authentic presentations, was that there seems to be an obvious eagerness to explore discussion about Shambhala Art & Enlightened Society. What is Shambhala Art? How to integrate that or not? The diner ended with a social continuation and discussion after clean up, and around midnight, or later, the last artists left! On Sunday the exhibition was getting prepared with works of most diner participants, in the midst of a program with Bill Karelis, and the reception of the 2 events came together around 17.00 hrs. Starting from 20.00 hrs the show, Jordis adventure and Meino’s reading filled the evening and ended with a satisfied smile. First ground is prepared here for further exploration and celebration of the arts! See the pictures! http://www.shambhala.nl/foto/bekijken/amsterdam/Shambhala+Arts+Festival/?g2_navId=x7bc1a550 Warm greetings from Amsterdam, Helen Vink Nalanda Coordinator. Atlanta : Kreg Thornley Email : rikdzindorje@yahoo.com Announcement : « In Atlanta we're taking a simple and open approach for our first Shambhala Arts Day fest. We'll have a sangha artist exhibit in our center combined with the reception for a Shambhala Training level. All artists will contribute works on their own without working together on a common project or theme ». Kreg Celebrating Shambhala Arts Day - 2006 The Atlanta Shambhala Meditation Center in Decatur GA is hosting a celebration of contemplative arts on the spring equinox, Sunday March 19th, at 7pm. In the Buddhist worldview, arts are a way of awakening the human mind to the variety, energy, and vastness of the sense perceptions. Shambhala Arts Day festivities will feature: - Performances & readings by John Fox, Democracy of Chaos (B.J. Sharp, Debra Hiers, Susan Ottzen, Aubrey Cox, Adrian Cox, & Diane Issen. - Artwork by David McCarthy, Rosemary Sharp, Edith Kelman, Rhonda Reno, Marisabel Marratt, Liz Mitchell, Liana Cox, Michele Conn, Tracy Steele, Kreg Thornley, Adrian Cox, & Colleen Sterling. Admission is free. For directions, contact info, and more information about the Atlanta Shambhala Center, please visit: http://www.atlantashambhalacenter.org Report : Here are some pictures from the Atlanta Shambhala Arts Day celebrations. A magical evening was had by all... Captions for pictures: - Atlanta sangha members enjoy the exhibit - Ariana plays the violin - John Fox recites poetry with B.J. Sharp and Susan Ottzen providing musical accompaniment
Kreg Baltimore : Judy Bond Email : Arthurbond@aol.com Report on May 12 Festival: Announcement : « I'm about to have a meeting to plan our event. It will happen on Sunday March 12 with a mandala workshop on Friday and Saturday to set up the space for performances ». Cheers, Judy Mandala Workshop March 10 Friday Talk 7 - 9 pm An introduction to traditional Tibetan Buddhist mandalas and their use in formal meditation practice, including excerpts from Werner Herzog's "Wheel of Time" a documentary showing 2-D and 3-D mandalas in use. Suggested donation: $15 ($12 members) March 11 Saturday Workshop 9 - 6 pm Talks, meditation instruction, and exercises on directly applying principles of mandala practice to one's daily life. During the workshop we will construct a physical mandala for Sunday's performances. Taught by senior Buddhist teacher Mark Beckstrom. Suggested donation for Friday night and workshop including lunch, $ 70 ($60 members). To register please contact: arthurbond@aol.com 1ST A N N U A L S H A M B H A L A A R T S F E S T I V A L Sunday March 12 1 - 8 pm Schedule 1 - 2 pm Paintings, Sculpture, Photographs,Quilts, and other Crafts on display Indian music tea and coffee 2 - 3:45pm Performances of Music, Poetry and Song 3:45 - 4:30pm Reception featuring food prepared by community chefs and an opportunity to meet the artists 4:30 - 5:15pm "Fresh Eyes - Fresh Ears" audience - artist dialogue 5:15 - 6:15pm Performances of Music and Dance 6:15 - 6:30pm Snack and Beverage Break 6:30 - 8:00pm 4 Independent Films collection of prose and poetry by community members for sale Cost of admission for all or part of Festival: $5.00 Report: Dear Explorers of the Richness and Beauty of the Phenomenal World:
This is especially for those of you who contributed your work but could not attend our Festival. It was wonderful! I will briefly summarize what we did below. Attached you will find a file of the Buddha Family Banners that were created during the Mandala Workshop that preceded the Festival; they were hung in our shrine room at the Baltimore Shambhala Center at the center and in the four directions. Performances during the Festival took place here. Our weekend started on Friday March 10 with an introductory talk on the traditional use of Tibetan Buddhist Mandalas as practice forms by senior student Mark Beckstrom. The talk concluded with excerpts from Herzog's documentary film "Wheel of Time" which shows footage of 2-D and 3-D Kalachakra Tantra mandalas and the pilgrimage around Mount Kailas in Tibet...no doubt the world's largest 3-D mandala. The film also includes HHR the Dalai Lama asking Herzog: "You are at the center of your universe aren't you?" On Saturday, Shambhala Art teacher Judy Bond assisted Mark with some Shambhala Art exercises to illustrate passages of the Vidyadhara's public comments on mandala practice in the Vidyadhara's "The Way of Maha Ati", a teaching now contained in Volume One of the Collected Works of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. (This is co-authored Rigdzin Shikpo, an early student of the Vidyadhara's in England.) These exercises served as an introduction to Shambhala Art Parts One-Five scheduled for later in the year along with a Maitri Space Awareness program. In the afternoon of the workshop, pairs of participants created the 4'x8' Buddha Family banners using Jack Niland's Heaven-Earth-Man formula from last year's New York Festival. These were hung to make the mandala in the shrineroom and the day concluded with a reception organized, set up, and enjoyed by the particpiants in the mandala space. After Sunday morning sitting, the Festival opened at 1:00pm with tea and coffee and Indian music by Dave Cipriani, and an opportunity to view the paintings, photographs, sculpture, quilts and other crafts that had been hung Friday afternoon in the Center's classroom and social space. Or to purchase a printed collection of written work by sangha memebers. At 2:00pm two hours of performances happend in the mandala space followed by a reception for the artists and patrons in attendance. Virginia Crawford opened our hearts and the Festival, reading her poetry about the craziness of being the mother of two small children. She was followed by singer Jennifer Parde at the keyboard with a wonderful repitoire of dharmic songs. Then Sam Schmidt, poet and husband of Virginia, made us smile with his work, Dave Cipriani shared inspired original songs, and Quentin Tellaferro closed out the set with some of his poetry of wry observation. Following an abundance of culinary delights prepared by four of the sangha's most talented cooks we all returned to the shrineroom mandala space to be directed in a pure perception exercise led by Linda Francis, called "Fresh Eyes, Fresh Ears". This empowered the audience to look at a piece of work with their full awareness for a number of minutes, noting and discarding mental comments as they came and went. A poem and several pieces were explored in this way and then participants returned to the mandala and shared their observations. Artists present were available to respond to the observations or answer questions. It turned out to be a touching exchange. The next performer, Wendell Cooper, at the Center for the first time, found this remarkable, and following his amazing, gravity defying improv dancing took comments and answered questions as the flower further unfolded. Finally, Roger Farwell's classical guitar playing concluded the live performances in festive musical contemplation. After a snack and beverage break, the festival ended with 90 minutes of independent film from 4 of the Center's film-makers. Richard Baker had us laughing with his "Fashion of the Christ", in which he played Jesus with shoulder length hair and flowing whire robes. Christ is having a problem relating to his flock and in desperation resorts to letting a Baltimore "hon" beautician treat him to half a dozen more contemporary coiffures...Alden Brigham celebrated old age with an octagenarian romance, Arthur Bond followed up on Richard Baker's threat to end the world by doing just that (in his film "The Bardo of the Moment Before Death") and the grand finale was young Chris Magorian's cartoon-style conversation between teenagers about the nature of reality and the mind. Chris and a parent drove up at the last minute with his DVD hot "off the press"!!! An extraordinary magical day!!!! made possible, in part, by many many cinderellas who kept the place clean as we partied. Thanks to all and to the lineage who suggested we meditators 'arise in unceasing play'. May our festival be the first of many and may they all benefit sentient beings galore. Berkeley : John Osajima Email : osajimajt@earthlink.net Announcement : Here's what we at Berkeley Shambhala Center have planned so far: We will have five consecutive weeks of Sunday morning Open House talks devoted to the theme of Shambhala Art. Talks will be given by different artist members of our sangha and will be based on themes from the book, Dharma Art. The last of these talks will occur on March 19th. For the afternoon, our plan is to gather together do the Object Arranging exercise. We wlll have things set up so that if needed, several groups can be doing this exercise simultaneously. Cheers, John Boulder, BFA in Performance Program at Naropa University: Caitlin Bargenquast, BFA student coordinator and Pearl Ubungen, Chair BFA in Performance Email : pearlubungen@earthlink.net Announcement : The BFA in Performance students at Naropa University have organized a day long event for the 2006 Shambhala Arts Festival. This is the second event created by the BFA in Performance as part of the larger, world-wideDharma Arts celebration. Last year's event was a large scale, performance installation made in collaboration with Ikebana artist Alice Tarkeshi. This year the BFA students present "Dharma Fuse". All are invited to this day long interactive event tomorrow from 10-4pm at Naropa's Goldfarb Studio. Kiki Soso! Pearl Ubungen, Chair BFA in Performance Naropa University Naropa University's interdisciplinary BFA in Performance program invites YOU to engage in the 2006 Shambhala Arts Festival. On SUNDAY March 19th from 10 am to 4 pm in the Goldfarb Studio of Naropa University, “Dharma Fuse” offers to bring the teachings of Chogyam Trungpa on Dharma Art to conscious practice in an event of courageous interpersonal ignition. We will explore AWAKE improvisational art making as a tool for bridging diverse facets of our university and greater Boulder community. Holding space for creative exchange among individuals and across disciplines, generations, and diverse backgrounds, we are offering a new model of mindful interaction practice. The “BigCircle” is a developing tool for bridging multiple expressive roles in a practice space, which emphasizes dialogue over polished performance. All are invited to engage, participate, witness, and practice with us on Sunday March 19th at the Goldfarb Studio of Naropa University from 10 am to 4 pm. The day's events are inspired by the notion of community activation through creative practice and will include a morning community-created visual arts mural and venue, dharma talks, and new forms of expressive contemplative discourse.Boulder Shambhala Center : Nina Rolle with the help of Mindy Upton Email : sushipoolside@yahoo.com Probably near April 4th ! That would really be an auspicious time, for many reasons... So far, it looks like Sarah Sutherland and some other parents are planning an event for the children, involving object placement and theater games. Mindy said she was interested in doing a puppet show, and several other artists who are unavailable in March are more interested in doing the festival later. Nina Boulder-Marpa House : Daniel Hess Email : worldinfovideos@yahoo.com More soon. Buffalo : Trudy Stern Email : tstern2@aol.com Announcement : « HHDL14 is coming to Buffalo in 2005 and we are involved in the visit. Out activities include plans to mount Art, Tibetan Music and other cultural activities, lectures and films. We are part of a larger community of Buddhists, artists and educators. We had the first event of this exciting year last night..A dinner honoring the Tibetian residents of Western NY ». Trudy Chicago : Meredith Dytch Email : mdytch@yahoo.com Announcement : Chicago will have a "Gallery Opening" On Saturday the 18th, showing various artworks and crafts created by our sangha. The Gallery will continue on the 19th with various events planned in dance, theatre, poetry and music - all the creations of our friends and members. Sincerely, Meredith Dytch Report : Dear Violaine I just wanted to let you know that our Chicago Shambhala Arts Day celebration was a great success! We had many talented sangha artists displaying their work throughout the Center, including paintings, prints, video installations and sculpture. Our Miksang Group projected their photographs on a screen in a continuous loop. There were also crafts and small items for sale to benefit the Center. We had a gallery "opening" Saturday night, with wine and cheese. Then, on Sunday, we had a Recital of sangha talent: poetry readings, a musical performance, songs, an ikebana demonstration, and a showing of the video "Discovering Elegance," by the Vidyadhara. The display of art will be up through this Tuesday evening. All events were well attended, and everyone had a lot of fun - and, I think, gained a new appreciation of the important role the arts play in our community. Yours in the Great Eastern Sun, Meredith Dytch Nalanda Gate, Chicago Shambhala Center Cologne, Germany David Schneider Email : david_schneider@shambhala-europe.org Announcement : « I did meet today with two theatre/movement/performance artists (mothers present at Children's Day) and they agreed to put together a performance. I will definitely show calligraphy. We have commitments from one or two sculptors, and graphic artists. I'll give a talk ».... David Report : As for our Shambhala Art Day - it was an unqualified success. A Report Is only a few more days of recovery away. We were all quite busy with the run up to the day, and exhausted after it. I suspect our thoughts will benefit with a couple more days' reflection in any case. We view the Shambhala Arts Day in Cologne as a rousing success: more than 20 artists participated, more than 100 viewers arrived, and the radiating energy of the afternoon was benevolent, rich and elegant. We were able to use not only our own shrine rooms and community spaces, but also the extensive gallery space one floor down from the Shambhala Centre. It wasn¹t quite a gallery then - ours was the first hanging - but it has become a commercial gallery in the meanwhile. Our offering was a mix of static works and live presentations. The day with a Kado presentation (by Elke Puts, of Marburg) simply because we wanted to start with a very pure, traditional form. Other live performances Included readings - one prose, one poetry, a Miksang slide-show-video-presentation-with-talk, a short explanation of Shambhala and Dharma Art principles, and an stunning dance/movement improvisation, done by three students of Steven Clorfeine¹s ³Theater on the Spot² work. Visual work included paintings, sculptures, photographs, calligraphy, prints, stone fountains, ceramic sculptures, earth sculptures, light sculptures and videos. The Shambhala Centre provided the traditional German Sunday afternoon cake and coffee at the traditional German Sunday afternoon time. Shortly thereafter, they provided by traditional Shambhala Sunday afternoon post-Shambhala-level celebration comestibles of cheese, wine, and other gorgeous victuals. Everyone was smiling and feeling good, pretty much the whole time - with the exception of the movement improvisation dakinis, who hurled themselves About with such precision and energy that they entered a rarified, exhausted, and somewhat unreachable state. This is to say that although we had planned it,they were not in a space for chitchat, nor for answering audience Questions immediately following their event The coordinators were surprised by how much planning work the event took,and by the unanticipated costs. The costs, it turns out, were covered By donations from visitors; I think none of us who put in work begrudge that work in the slightest. We have thought however, that it would make more sense if the things we hung and placed about were to be able to remain In place for something more than the 7 hours they did. We also have reflected on whether the work that was presented was simply work by artists associated with Shambhala and with the dharma - or whether it was really dharma art, Shambhala art. We plan to engage these questions every way we can in this fire dog year. Stay tuned.
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participants: Pictures are on : http://spigolo.org DavidDavis, California Donna Whicher Email : somechowder@yahoo.com Announcement : Members of the Davis sangha will display their artwork in the local public library throughout March as an offering and outreach to the larger community. A teacher from Berkeley, John Osajima, will come to Davis and teach a series of Dharma Arts classes in March as well. The fest itself will include a poetry video excerpt with Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Allan Ginsburg, followed by a couple of poetry and prose "writing as practice" exercises. Mini-workshops will be offered in Feldenkrais, "Drawing without Prejudice," "The Art of Wine Tasting," origami, spinning silk cocoons using spindles, and "Visionary Craniosacral Therapy: Sculpting the Conscious Medium." There will be a poetry reading, a Miksang photography video and presentation, and a drum circle. One wall of the shrine room will be converted into a kind Shambhala Art gallery, featuring sangha members' work, which will include a painting of a kyudoing mouse. cheers, Donna WhicherDechen Chöling, France Herb Elsky Email : herbertelsky@wanadoo.fr Announcement : Here is an up-date from Dechen Choling. Due to scheduling restrictions our program will take place on April 2. This will be an open house for the local community and will be a presentation of the richness of Buddhist Art and iconography. We will have a small exhibition of thangkas, rupas, and calligraphies and there will be demonstrations of Kado, Kyudo and Shodo (calligraphy). In the afternoon there will be a talk about "Ritual and Magic in Buddhist Art". Herbert Elsky Report : Hello Shambhala Arts World, Due to the intensity of the Dechen Choling scheduling we had our Arts Day on April 2. I had initially wanted to have a full weekend for presentations of all kinds but with our time limited to just Sunday afternoon we really had to focus. Here in the french countryside Dechen Choling is still seen as somewhat foreign and exotic to our neighbors so Arts Day provides an opportunity for an open house which is very important in terms of dissolving the barrier that many local residents don't dare to cross. The theme for the day was , "Pratiques artistiques sur le chemin de l'eveil" (Artistic Practices on the Path of Wakefulness) We made a beautiful exhibition! We filled new shrine hall with wonderful things from DCL and local sangha collections. We showed thangkas, rupas and calligraphies from the Sakyong as well as large japanese scrolls, and other paintings and prints of mandalas. We had about 75 visitors who were open and curious and seemed fascinated by everything. I began the day with an introduction about how the different forms could serve as meditation practices and and then I did a calligraphy demonstration. I never felt so attentively watched before! This was followed by a Kado demonstration given by a sangha member from Paris. Our courageous Kyudo group then demonstrated their basic forms and people were completely moved by it. I closed the day in the main shrine room with a talk about iconography. Our kitchen staff provided special cakes and scones and various refreshments which our visitors were not at all shy to enjoy. It was an inspiring day for everyone and it is great to know that events are happening through out our community and that we are all participating together. Thanks again to Violaine for all her boundless energy. All the best from "La France profound" HerbHalifax, Nova Scotia : Katie Hanczaryk with the help of Gesar Mukpo & Rita Armbruster Email : kt_hanczaryk@hotmail.com The Festival will be organized with Katie & Rita Armbruster. A lot of artists are already engaged into the process. « I want this year to be big and powerfull, the walls dripping with art, in the hallways, the basement.. everywhere. I am trying to encourage performance, if I get enough people, we could do it all at once so none misses it. Im also thinking of having a video art showing in the basement, Barbra Badessi is a well known video editor, and I have askedher to participate, and she seems thrilled. I really want to get youth involved as well, hopefully the Shambhala school will participate again this year ( I'm sure they will ) and maybe also the sea school, and bodhi school as well ». Katie Report : Hey Violaine! The Festival was a HUGE sucsess.. I will send you a compleat re cap and pictures in the near future... KatieHalifax, Bodhi School
Report : I run the Lion group of Bodhi School in Halifax. We met the morning of March 19 and made a mobile of natural forest pieces (wood and bark) that the children entitled:Garuda and the Dragon. We then hung it in the art show that was opening that evening. Here are some pictures. Margaret Spore Hamburg : Inken Janson Email : inkenj@t-online.de Announcement : « We are planing to have a festival on march 19th. We had a little meeting last week about it and a discussion what can be considered shambhala art and what is maybe too private. What we came up with is , that we would like to have the morning as time and space for possible individual or group presentations. The afternoon for doing something together, which is still in progress but would be like for example a big calligraphie. The evening would be for the art of cooking, we will have another meeting in january the 20th, So we give a frame ». InkenReport :
dear friends, we are looking forward to performe with you all again next year, inken Hawaii, Kailua Meditation Center : Jaynine Nelson Email : nelsonj019@hawaii.rr.com Announcement : We may have a Shambhala Arts Festival in May ! Aloha, Jaynine NelsonHawaii, Dakini gardens and retreat : Carley Fonville Email : carley1@tweek.net Announcement : Dakini gardens and retreat on the big island of Hawaii wants to create a vishva vajra or double vajra of 12 feets on the golden colored floor of its shrineroom. We have been printing sewing and hanging 108 lungta flags after making a road and clearing spaces in the primal 25 acre hawaiian jungle/forest and want to keep working with the four directions or shambalian principles. The vishva vajra is the beginning of many places, one being "the stupa that enlightens upon seeing" in rmc. As a traditional starting point it is a place where dakini gardens and retreat would like to start in its practice place. Several artist have shown interest in this project and we will start some kind of communication in the new year 2006. mahalo(thank you) carley fonville Report : Please find 2 pictures here of the painting that we are doing of the vishvavajra on the floor of our meditation room. http://www.tweek.net/dakini/vv.html much aloha from hawaii carley fonvilleCaitlin Heinz and Blythe Jamieson Email : vermouthbianco@yahoo.com, p.blythe@att.net Report : Our arts festival was small and simple. about twenty five people gathered to participate in a series of five demonstrations made by five artists in our sangha about their particular artwork. we had an ikebana artist, brooke pohl; a watercolorist, adele prager; a tibetian calligrapher, laura thames; and a silk painter; susan smith sargent each give a small talk about their art practice, show off some of the work they have done, demonstrate the art process and in all cases except for the ikebana their was a hands-on portion where the participant could produce a piece of art themselves. there was also a showing of a film artist's short film (doreen maloney) but she was sick and couldn't make it to talk about it. blythe jameison and i contacted these people and simply gave them a time frame and they came up with their demonstration. some of them brought books and some even researched the history of their art! the day was absolutly beautiful and although it was slightly chilly outdoors the sun illuminated the first two rooms and the air felt light and warm. the library, on the dark side of the building was where we showed the film projected on a wall and some choose to watch it over and over again. the silent film was of peaches rotting completely into black lumps over a ten minute period (it was sped up) and to watch fruit flies gather more and more and the skin crinkle and become beautifully textured was very contemplative and reminded us all of the gentle elegance of impermanance. we had the stupa cd playing in the background in the hallway and a break between demonstrations where we ate fruit, cheese and cookies and drank sparkling pink punch with strawberries in it. the day lasted from around one thirty to four and the atmosphere was consistantly cheerful and uplifting regardless of the fact that the turn out was much smaller than we had expected. the festival began with three gongs and ended with impromptu closing chants. this part was not planned but i think in the future i would like to perhaps sing the anthem and perform the warriors cry to end it, but this time i planned on it being slightly unplanned. thank you for being an impetus for this event. i was curious and anxious to see what would become of this but i am confident it will flourish as something poeple will look foward to. thank you. mindfully yours caitlin heinzLondon : Claire Van Rhyn Email : clearly@clairly.com Announcement : « We have had some discussions about our plans which include an exhibition of individual sangha artists work. We have also had proposals for music and performances, but nothing has been confirmed yet. The events will take place in the lead-up to the day, with a special gathering planned for the day including all the sangha and maybe a workshop ». ClaireLos Angeles, CA : Announcements: We had a very well attended and inspiring event yesterday afternoon! It was an Introduction to Shambhala Art with an inspiring talk by Steve (about 45 minutes) followed by questions and discussion and then details of the upcoming festival (May 20) by Anne and Nicol. We had no idea how many people would show up so it was very exciting when people kept coming in. We had fifteen attendees with a great mix of new people and long time sangha members. This event was a pre-requisite for offering art and performance at the festival. Shambhala Art graduates were exempt (though several of them showed up too). We handed out the “Invitation for Proposals” (now on Shambhala Art website) which details the process of participation in the festival and were asked many good questions. We asked for volunteers to head up some of the jobs and did fill the jobs of publicity, field trip coordinator, and environment. People were very inspired and spontaneously jumped in with ideas and offers to help. This festival is really tapping into a desire we’ve had in L.A. for a long time, for some kind of show and tell within the community. One of the very good ideas was to print up postcards (we can get 1000 cards for $100.) advertising the festival day and then distribute them to the artists and performers who will be showing at the festival so they can mail them to their friends and family. Much like an art opening and a very smart way to spread out the costs of postage. Speaking of money, many people made donations yesterday toward festival costs. We will be structuring the festival based on who participates, so this event gave us an idea of who is most interested this year. So far, that appears to be 2-D artists. We have a deadline at the end of April for folks to outline their offering so we’ll see what various art forms will eventually be a part of the festival. We feel that a big draw to this event was the talk given by Steve. It was a magnet as this festival is a magnet for the community of artists here who are also Shambhalians. It was mostly attended by people who have not attended any Shambhala Art classes. We can see how your idea of leading up to the festival with weekly meetings and Shambhala Art talks is a great one. We think this festival will broaden our community as we work together to create it and then offer it to Los Angeles. We also have our existing community of enthusiastic Shambhala Art graduates to draw from. So we are on our way! It’s taken a lot of work to get to this point with our center just having moved, but it seems that once a venue and date was firmly established, we’ve been able to see our efforts build into a more cohesive vision. Thank you again, Violaine for your energy. Cheers, Anne Shambhala Arts Festival Los Angeles
To
Los Angeles Center Members and Friends:
Anne Saitzyk anne@trueart.info, Nicol Ragland nicol@alyssanicol.com, Joel Wachbrit joelwach@earthlink.net Report: Download Catalogue of Contributing Artists The following pictures represents a sampling. Apologies to the contributing artists who pictures did not reproduce. In order of appearance: The Invitation, Darryl Burnham in reception area, Steve and Anne Saitzyk welcoming all, Sam West demonstrating Kyudo, exhibition, calligraphy by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, photo by Don Farber, photo by Angela Lloyd, painting by J.C. Jaress, photo by Lynda Mackillican, painting by Anne Saitzyk, costume by Karolyn Kiisel, painting by Steve Saitzyk, flowers by Lynda Mackillican.
Madison : Miriam Hall Email : herspiral@yahoo.com Announcement : « We are going to do a Shambhala Arts day open house - Ikebana practice demonstration in the afternoon, followed by Miksang slide show in evening. Miksang instruction will happen in Madison for the first time ever a couple of weeks after that. MiriamMadrid : Juana Piney and Begoña Martínez Email : pineys@ya.com, bmartinezi@wanadoo.es Announcement : Juana and Begona will organize a festival together and already some artists are interested and informed about it.
Rachel Faro Email : ashe@asherecords.com Announcement : « The Miami Beach Shambhala group is just beginning but the first group of interested people are extremely arts-oriented. By March I imagine we will be developed enough to have a Shambhala Arts Day ». Rachel FaroMontreal : Violaine Morinville with the help of artists… Email : dancecolors@yahoo.ca
Violaine Morinville with the help of artists… Email : dancecolors@yahoo.ca Announcement : There is a weekly meeting from the end of January to March at the center to guide the artistic process. The Festival day will gather Ikebana installation, Japanese papers, paintings, Maitri Installation, aquarelle, photography and a performance of dance, music and litterature based on Shambhala principles. I will give an introductory talk on Shambhala Art ! Violaine Festival International Shambhala Arts 2006 Venez célébrer les arts en effervescence lors du Festival International Shambhala Arts le 19 mars 2006, de 13h à 17h au centre de méditation Shambhala de Montréal. À Montréal, nous avons concocté une exposition d’arts visuels et un spectacle des arts sacrés. Les créations s’inspirent des principes de Shambhala. Il y a des endroits contemplatifs pour apprécier les installations d’arts visuels. Le spectacle des arts sacrés comporte une causerie d’introduction à l’Art Shambhala. Plusieurs artistes se manifestent à travers leur art par la danse, la musique, la poésie, la littérature et la production de film. Il y aura un échange de « questions- réponses » entre les artistes et le public sur leur démarche artistique. Cette année, le festival se développe dans près de 40 villes à travers le monde, au Canada, USA, en Europe et à Hawaï. Au plaisir, Violaine Morinville Report : We had a great festival ! On Friday evening there was a movie on the life of Rinpoche ! Auspicious… On March 19th, we had a great celebration with around 40 people coming to the event. We had a nice exhibition of visual arts with Ikebana, Japanese paper Installation, Maitri Installation, a bannier of Buddha Lochana, paintings on windhorse, colors and aquarelles. Our performance show was delightful with dance, music, litterature and a movie presentation at the end. I made an introductory talk at the beginning of the show and it gave the sense of what is Shambhala Art to our performance. We began and end with the gong, like a contemplative practice with arts ! We had tea and discussions after the day to celebrate, while having a great parade outside on the street (who gave the tone of great celebration everwhere in the city) ! ViolaineFestival de Montréal Nashville Shambhala Group Presents a special visit by Lance Brunner Announcement : Waking up with Shambhala Arts: An introduction to Art as Path of Dharma Sunday, March 19, Nash | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
