About this Event
Visit the temple each month for an opportunity to expand your creativity. Each month we will focus on a different and unique creative element and will tie in mindfulness techniques. This is also a wonderful opportunity to meet noble friends in the community. Each class will start with a 15 min disucssion on mindful creation and a 5 minute meditation.
All supplies are provided with a drop in fee of $30. However, if you purchase three or more classes - contact the office for a 15% off coupon! All supplies are provided with a drop in fee of $30. However, if you purchase three or more classes - contact the office for a 15% off coupon!
Email: [email protected]
CLASSES:
Nov 9 - Making Mandalas: Join us to creat your own mandala! The word "mandala" comes from Sanskrit and means "circle". The art originated in India in the 4th century in Buddhist monasteries. Mandalas are used to aid meditation and are often displayed in churches, temples, and shrines. Mandalas are typically created by starting with a circle in the center and then drawing shapes around it in layers, repeating colors, patterns, and shapes. The shapes can include circles, triangles, raindrops, and loops.The repetitive patterns are intended to help the viewer relax and connect with the universe. Mandalas represent the universe in its ideal form, and their creation symbolizes the transformation of suffering into joy.
Dec 14 - Drawing the Buddha Using Tibetan Iconometry: In this class, we will concentrate on producing our own image of Buddha Shakyamuni's face, using the grid system based on Tibetan tradition. Many of you have seen Tibetan thangkas - those wonderfully detailed paintings on cloth that are usually 'framed' by strips of brocade fabric. Tibetan religious imagery uses a strict grid system in order to ensure a homogenous depiction of the various enlightened beings, meditational deities, Bodhisattvas, mandalas, and legendary and historical events. The grids are based on the ideal measurements of the human body and face, and have been perfected over many centuries. Using a grid system also allows the artist to expand or shrink the image to any size needed. (Some appliqué thangkas cover a hillside!) In this class, we will concentrate on producing our own image of Buddha Shakyamuni's face, using the grid system. Any age can participate - you need only know how to use a ruler.
Jan 11 - Dot Art Note Cards: Create your very own paper notecards using acrylic dot art! Dot painting is derived from ancient art forms in many differenct cultures, and involves applying dots of paint using a stylus. Dots can be made in varying colors and sizes to create beautiful patterns and designs.In this class you'll have the opportunity to create notecards with various images and color schemes and then decorate the images using dot art.
Feb 8 - Kawandi Quilting: A Kawandi quilt is a traditional, hand-stitched quilt from Western India made from scrap fabric One unique aspect is that it is assembled from the outside in. The edges are turned under and stitched together, and batting is laid inside. Then quilting proceeds in a spiraling line, about a finger width apart. In this class, you'll have the option to make a small wall hanging or a placemat. The technique is very simple and no experience is needed!
March 8 - Kintsugi Pottery: Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery, the word literally translates to "gold seams". Kintsugi is based on the idea that embracing flaws and imperfections can make a piece of art stronger and more beautiful. The technique originated from the aesthetic of wabi sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection. Breakage and repair is part of the history of an object and not seen as something that needs to be disguised. In this class you will learn how to repair a broken piece of pottery and then decorate the seam in gold.
April 12 - Making Lotus Lanterns: Paper laterns shaped like lotus flowers are a common component of Vesakha Day (Buddha's Birthday) celebrations in Buddhist countries. The act of lighting a lotus lantern symbolizes the dispelling of darkness, both within oneself and in the physical space. It also represents the pursuit of wisdom, knowledge, and inner clarity. Join us to craft your very own lotus lantern from brightly colored paper glued onto a solid frame.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple, 221 Dean Street, Woodstock, United States
USD 32.49
