ART AS A WAY OF KNOWING: Week 2
Rev Danah is hard at work getting ready for his weekly summer workshops; Art As A Way of Knowing. There are eight workshops in total, with the first one starting on July 10th. You can sign up for all eight, or pick the ones that excite you and sign up individually. This week we are going to talk more about what is happening for week two.
But first, here is a reminder about when the workshops are happening: At McDougall, these workshops are happening on Friday nights (5:30 pm - 8:00 pm). If Friday’s don’t work, the same workshops are being presented at Red Deer Lake on Saturday (11:30 am - 2:00 pm). A simple meal will be provided each week. There is no cost to these workshops. There are limited spots though so please sign up if you are planning to attend.
Here is some more information about what will be covered in week 2.
WEEK 2 - July 17/18
Walking the Labyrinth: Art as Prayer
This week explores creativity as a contemplative practice.
Participants will be invited to walk the labyrinth, or use hand-held wooden labyrinths for a quieter experience. Following the walk, participants will create personal mandalas using color, pattern, and symbol.
Mandalas can become visual prayers, reflections on a life season, expressions of gratitude, or simply a moment of peaceful focus.
This workshop is lightly structured and ideal for those seeking stillness, reflection, and renewal.
What you can expect:
This is a drop-in experience, so you are welcome to arrive at any time during the event and move through the activities at your own pace.
From the moment you arrive, we will strive to maintain a quiet, contemplative atmosphere throughout the labyrinth and mandala spaces. Smiles and other nonverbal expressions of encouragement are always welcome, and while brief conversations in quiet, "library voices" are perfectly fine, we encourage everyone to embrace the opportunity to experience the peace of gathering together in silence.
A designated area, set slightly apart from the activity spaces, will be available for those who would like to enjoy some food, visit with friends, or reflect in conversation with Rev. Cox. This allows the main gathering space to remain peaceful while still providing opportunities for fellowship and connection.
Whether you choose to walk the labyrinth, create a mandala, spend time in quiet reflection, or simply sit and be present, we invite you to engage with the experience in whatever way is most meaningful for you.
During the final half hour, we will come back together as a group to reflect on our experience. Those who wish are invited to share their thoughts or their mandalas, but there is absolutely no expectation to do so. This is simply an opportunity for anyone who feels inspired to share.
You can learn more and sign up for just this one, or all of the workshops on our website.