Intl Contemplative Arts Day, on solstice Dec 21th

Hi all,

The new Intl Contemplative Arts Day will be an online network
to gather artistic events or pieces of arts related with contemplative insights.

A day to inspire oneness and moving beyond...
A day to contemplate what inspires you!

Thanks to share a piece of art or an event at your area with a short description on how it is arts+sacred!

email: contemplativeartsfestival@gmail.com

VM

Contemplative Arts Wall/ Arts+Sacred

Intl Contemplative Arts Festival: Arts+Sacred

International Network of the Arts


I gather pictures, poems, videos or anything that you wish to share related with Contemplative Arts sparkles...within an Arts Wall! 
Let us know if you want to share a piece of art!


Arts+Sacred

Videos:

Tibetan Red: http://vimeo.com/10155799

Mercurius: http://vimeo.com/4260842

By Zsolt Suto

Poems:  Spacious Grounding

Grounded, solid

            s – hift –ing

    No ground
         No self

     Who?              where?

       sinking into quicksand

                      STUCK

Space surrounding

            Opening – unstuck

Groundless, floating,

      present in spacious ground.

 by Barbara Gill-Forney & Julie Rayda

Pictures:

by Rebekah Younger

International Shambhala Arts Day Festival 2010

2010 Festival listing -

Amsterdam, Europe

 The Amsterdam Arts festival will take in the Shambhala Center in Amsterdam. Dates: 10&11 april 2010.

 Saturday the opening of the show and performing arts,

Sunday: debate "Does something like Dharma Art exist?" 

We are looking into possibilities to have 3x one evening per week for workshops as well, after the opening.

People that organise the festival: Barbara Wessels, Igor de Ruiter, Peter de Lange, Bea de Munnik and Suzan Oudshoorn

We did not appoint the main coordinator yet.

 We are working on the schedule, I'll let you know.

That's where we are in Amsterdam.

Warm regards, 

Suzan Oudshoorn

All are invited to celebrate the arts! 
 

OPENING AND CELEBRATION OF THE SHAMBHALA ARTS FESTIVAL 2010

'DOES SOMETHING LIKE DHARMA ART EXIST?' 

Saturday april 10 2010, 15.00-18.00, main hall, free entrance 

Opening speech by Suzan Oudshoorn. Music and performances by Felicja Hartman, Igor de Ruiter, Petra Hünsche and others. 

Participating artists:

Cissy Kortman, Fennanda Eleveld, Sodis Vita, Carien Engelhard, Danielle Cornelissen, Marc Morrel, Pieter van der Heul, Joop Vuurmans, Dana Marshall, Annetta Willemse / Suzan Oudshoorn, Sylvia van den Ouwelant, Hèlen A.Vink, Riet Karsenbarg, Ingrid Jejina, Yvonne Pont  

Saturday april 10 2010, 15.00-18.00, main hall, free entrance 

Fine art-show until 23th of april, and is accesible during open hours of the Shambhala Center in Amsterdam. 
 
 
 
 
 

DEBATE ABOUT DHARMA ART

Sunday april 11 2010, 15.00-17.00, main hall, free entrance 
 

Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche taught extensively on his intriguing vision on the way of the arts. His texts and training sometimes lead to intergration of the Shambhala and Buddhist practices in the life of artists.

You might think about  the principles of 'Heaven Earth and Man' and 'Open Space', or the wonderful Maitrí  teachings on the 5 different energies of the Buddhafamilies.

During the debate on Dharma Art together we'll research the way we relate to these teachings.  

Introduction by Barbara Wessel, resume Dharma Arts by Sarah Marijnissen, discussionleader Bart Landstra,  opinion-holding by Pamela Koevoets and Cissy Kortman, knowledge support by dharmateacher Jan van Bolhuis. and disruptive acts by Riet Karsenbarg and Ingrid Jejina. 

After the debate a reception will be offered.  
 
 

PRESENTATION MIKSANG-PHOTOGRAPHY

Thursday april 15 2010, 20.00-21.30 hrs, meeting room 
 

Miksang is a Tibetan word and may be translated as 'the good eye'. It's the name of a young tradition in the arts, based on the Shambhala and Dharma Art teachings. It's about a the coincidence of perception, feeling and the camera. Chögyam Trungpa presented this  contemplative photography for the first time, his students continue to teach and develop this material  

Hèlen A.Vink, Miksang teacher and passionate practitioner, leads us through her work on this evening.

More information: www.miksang.nl 
 
 
 

PRESENTATIE JAPANSE DICHTKUNST HAIKU

Thursday april 22 2010, 20.00-21.30, main hall 

Haiku is a way of Japanse poetry, three lines with

5, 7 and 5 syllables. Een haiku lives in the here and now, and refers to

five Zen features: source, compact form,

voyage, unity and total transformation... and back to the source. 

Fons Elders is professor emeritus in Theories of Philosphy at the University for Humanistics in Utrecht, and many publications and projects are on his name. The haiku he will present in the Shambhala Festival of the Arts were written during his retreat in the Ryoanji Tempel in Koyasan, and during his trip in Japan. The haiku are published in the form of Happy Families: www.haiku-cards.eu. 

More information: www.fonselders.nl 

Baltimore, USA

Part of our celebration will be mounting a short play on Sunday, March 14.

Cheers, Judy Bond

Boston, USA

 Thank you so much for sending this email! We would like very much to participate in the Shambhala Arts Day here in Boston. We are starting to think about it. 

We are going to have a Shambhala Arts Day Festival (click for more info) on the 20th. It is going to be a coffee-house style shambhala arts evening. We'll likely set up a few featured "performers", and possibly have a sign-up as well. Not sure yet if we'll do any Shambhala arts exercises, but it is going to be styled as a community evening event.

Cheers!! www.shambhalaboston.org

Warm wishes,

--Sarah Lipton

Center Coordinator

Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston

Brunswick, ME, USA

 We have a date on the calendar, March 27, but still need to meet to determine the nature of the event, time and details.  I'll keep you posted as plans are made.

 Here is what we have planned for the Shambhala Arts Festival in Maine.  We have quite a diverse range of media represented for an evening event on March 27.   Thank you for coordinating all the events worldwide.

Shambhala Arts Festival 

Showcases Contemplative Arts 
 

      BRUNSWICK, Me., March 27, 2010 —The Brunswick/Portland Shambhala Meditation Center will offer an evening of contemplative arts at the Shambhala Arts Festival on Saturday, March 27, from 6 – 9 p.m. at 19 Mason Street in Brunswick, Maine.

      The evening will showcase writing, dance, music, video and visual arts inspired by and/or created as a meditative practice.  Meditation instruction will be included in the program to encourage contemplative viewing of these offerings.  Intermission will include light refreshments designed to awaken the palate. 

      The program is free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $5.  All are welcome, including children ages 8 and above. 

      The Shambhala Arts Festival is an annual international event celebrated at Shambhala Buddhist centers worldwide in March.  It is inspired by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s teachings on “art in everyday life” and highlights the importance of the arts in creating enlightened society.  For more information about the weekend, contact Rebekah Younger at rebekah@suscom-maine.net or 443-8649. 

      Tibetan Buddhist meditation master Trungpa Rinpoche was a noted artist and poet who taught that the vivid beauty of artistic awareness need not be confined to artists alone.  The creative process can be an opportunity to wake up to the world as it is and express something fresh on the spot, whether it is a meal, a painting or one’s life. 

      He wrote: “Awareness practice is not just sitting meditation. It is a unique training practice in how to behave as an inspired human being. That is what is meant by being an artist." Trungpa Rinpoche was the founder of Shambhala Buddhism, a Western branch of Tibetan Buddhism for modern lay practitioners. 

      The Brunswick/Portland Shambhala Meditation Center is a nonprofit organization that serves a wide area from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, north to Farmington, Maine, and east to Camden. It is affiliated with Shambhala International, a worldwide nonprofit association of meditation centers led by the Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Shambhala International is headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

#  #  # 

IN ADDITION, PLEASE RUN THE FOLLOWING SHORT VERSION

IN YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR: 

      BRUNSWICK: Shambhala Arts Festival, an evening of contemplative arts, including poetry, music, dance, video and visual art, Saturday, March 27, 6-9 pm, at the Brunswick Shambhala Meditation Center, 19 Mason St. Open to the public.

Thanks,

Rebekah Younger

We had a wonderful turnout for our Festival, more than 50 people in the audience including children, ages 6 and up, and one guide dog! We scheduled an evening of presentations with a small art display for Saturday, March 27.  We asked the artists to prepare a statement about how their work related to meditation or contemplative mind and included these as part of the program.  The artistic offerings presented were quite varied.  There were poetry and essay readings, an improvisational jazz composition, an original contemporary Buddhist folk song and chant, photography, video, weaving, mixed media vessels, drawings, furniture and paintings.  Ikebana arrangements decorated the stage and the intermission included food as an art experience, both as a treat for the eyes and the palate.  Quite a feast as the pictures will show.  Altogether there were 16 individual artists, plus a committee of 4 dedicated souls who put it together.

The evening started with a brief introduction to the history of Shambhala Art and some of its basic principles.  This was followed by guided meditation instruction for the audience with 20 minutes of sitting practice.  The audience was encouraged to open to the senses and whenever thoughts would arise of like/dislike or commentary throughout the program to just come back to their experience of the moment.  The audience included both long time practitioners from the sangha and first time visitors to the center.  They came away from the evening feeling enriched by the offerings.  Many spoke to me later of being so energized afterwards that it was hard to sleep that night.  Definitely the dralas were present for it all.

Already folks are talking about making a contribution to next year's event.

“Art’s purpose is to sober and quiet the mind so that it is in accord with what happens.”  John Cage

Chicago, USA

 Hi!

We want to participate in this, this year (Chicago) !

Thanks!

Aarthi Tejuja

Chicago Shambhala Arts Day

The Chicago Shambhala Arts Day takes place on Sunday March 21st, Noon - 3:30pm

A Celebration of Dharma Art and Pot Luck Lunch

After Sunday sitting (9am-noon) and a potluck lunch from 12-1, join us for:

1:00 A talk entitled "What is Shambhala Art?"

1:30 A book reading and talk about Haiku by noted poet Patricia Donegan

2:00 A presentation of Ikebana Japanese flower arranging

2:30 A Presentation on Kyudo by Yasuo Ito & Vada Woods

3:00 A Talk and slideshow on Miksang contemplative photography

The Chicago Shambhala Center is also featuring

"True Perception: Mindfulness in Art" Gallery Exhibition, March 11-23 
During Center hours from March 11th through 23rd, come view a juried exhibition of mindful artwork. 



Visit us at: http://chicago.shambhala.org/

Julie Einstein

Chili

I want to put my energy in this festival in honor a nikolai roerich who give us the international symbol of peace. I am the coordinator of the "HUMAN FLAG OF PEACE" action art work, a big meditation with people doing the symbol of peace, three circles surrounded for another big circle. this activity was maded in mexico, canada, and chile three times. will be beautiful to do this action on shambhala festival. Also, I am a musician and i have a musical project for peace. Recently i went to denmark for to give a concert in a climate change summit was amazing...i played with Desmond Tutu, the nobel prize of peace.

Sat Nam

Danza Duende - MUDRIAM, Europe

Danza Duende and MUDRIAM asbl choose this topic : 

TO SLOW DOWN with meditation, exercises HORIZON OF SUGANO SENSEI, spontaneous poetries on paper in callygraphies and in movement (RALENTIR avec méditation, exercices HORIZON DE SUGANO SENSEI, poésies spontanées sur papier en calligraphies et en mouvement).

Danza Duende and MUDRIAM asbl wish to participate at the International Shambhala Arts Day Festival 2010 with contemplative session of art from 10h30 am to 1h00 pm, saturday the 20th.

 Currently, we'll organize session of meditation, pranayamas, movements and spontaneous caligraphy with Yumma Mudra (Myriam Szabo) at the place : Les Arts Divins in Brussel.

Warm regards,

Emeric Thuret

Dechen ChöLing, France

Herb Elsky

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

Shambhala Arts Day, Saturday, March 20, 2010 

Celebrate the beginning of Spring by exploring art, the body and the mind!

Join us at the Fort Collins Shambhala Center on Shambhala Arts Day for the following events….. 

Nia class taught by Nia instructor Denise Kocol

1-2pm (Saturday, March 20)

All ages and abilities are welcome including children

$5-10 suggested donation (snacks included)

What is Nia? 
Nia is a path to condition, heal and express your self through movement and sensation. A dynamic blend of dance arts, martial arts and healing arts, Nia brings the body, mind, emotions and spirit to optimum health through music, movement and self-expression, guided by the sensation of Pleasure.

Nia is designed for any body. It is ageless and limitless, transformational and effective for every person everywhere, from athletes, dancers and fitness instructors, to children, special needs groups and the elderly. With the philosophy, Through Movement We Find Health, Nia addresses the whole person through music and movement integrated from nine traditional movement forms. 
More informantion http://www.nianow.com/about-us/-technique

Discovering Elegance Video and discussion led by Jennie Kiessling

5-7pm (Saturday, March 20)

Cocktails at 5pm, video and discussion at 6pm

$5-10 suggested donation  

Join us for an evening presentation of Discovering Elegance, the well known documentary film that focuses on Trungpa Rinpoche and his students as they create a sculptural installation for the Los Angeles Institute of Contemporary Art in 1981. A discussion will follow that will highlight the very active role that Buddhist practice currently holds in the Contemporary Art world almost 30 years later. 
 

Ikebana events in Denver this weekend and in April in Fort Collins: 

This weekend the Sogetsu 23^rd Spring Ikebana Show is being held from

March 19-21 at the Denver Home Show

National Western Complex in Denver, CO

For more information: http://cosogetsu.com/   

April 3, 2010, 10am-1pm

Introductory Ikebana Workshop with Sharon Stuart

$45 (all materials and flowers included)

1619 Adriel Way, Fort Collins, CO

 clark erwin-billones

Hawaii

 Yes we want to do a banner project, our banners from 5 years ago need replacement, we made them ourselves last time with blocks that i cut.

Carley

Europe

AV-Installations. More to come !

Zsolt Suto 

London, Europe

I am looking into an event for the 1 - 2 May. May Day (1 May) is a traditional spring festival day in England (and a public holiday), so might go down nicely. More to come ! 

Claire Van Rhyn

Los Angeles – USA

 The 2010 Los Angeles Shambhala Art Festival (our 5th annual) will be June 19, 20th, Father's Day weekend. More details to come.

Anne Saitzyk

Montreal, Qc, Canada

to come

New York City, USA

Annual Special Event

Intl Contemplative Arts Conference

dates to come

 Friday

Performance evening – fundraising for the festival special events

Saturday

Workshops & demonstrations

Panel with all contemplative arts forms

Celebration and open discussions

 Videos and art exhibition all weekend

Production of Violaine Morinville 

with the NYC community - in collaboration with Jo Mauricio and Laura Simms

Phoenix, Arizona, USA 

SHAMBHALA ARTS DAY

MARCH 20 – 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. 

POETRY & WRITING 
 

This year our Shambhala center will celebrate the contemplative arts by putting a focus on the written word.  Following the thematic of "first thought, best thought" and "art that wakes one up" we will be reading poetry by the Sakyong and Trungpa Rinpoche as well as composing our own spontaneous writings in whatever form we as "authors" individually choose. 
 
The links below will introduce you to the Vidyadara's perspective on the arts and to some of his poems. 
 
http://www.shambhala.org/teachings/category.php?id=6   

http://www.shambhalaart.org/   

 
The program will be on March 20th after meditation and tea, and will last for approximately one and half hour. 

.Group discussion on the meaning of contemplative arts in the Shambhala community.

.Poetry readings of the Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and the Sakyong.

.Meditation

.First thought/Best thought poetry exercises

.Sharing

.Dedication of Merit

 
There is no fee for this special program, but donations will be gratefully accepted as we are trying to include books/texts to our library on the contemplative arts. 
 
Please join in on this unique program and feel free to bring adult family and friends. 
 


Julie Rayda

ARTS THAT WAKES US UP! 
 

Portland, Oregon, USA

Shambhala Arts Festival

March 19th - March 21st

Friday 7 - 9:30 pm | Saturday 11 am - 5 pm | Sunday 9 am - Noon

Offerings Include: Visual Arts, Interactive & Performance Theater, Poetry,

Music, Film, Ikebana and more.....

Artists Include: Caitlin Bargenquast, Deanne Belinoff, Ann Cason,

Larry Haun, Martin Heltai, Becky Jamieson, Anet Ris-Kelman, Corinne

Nakamura, Alison Pepper, Chris Rempel, Ann Sihler, Bri McGeehan, Willa

Schneberg, Jay Stewart, Wayne Williams

2010 Shambhala Art Festival Schedule

(subject to change)

Friday, March 19th (7:00 - 9:30 pm)

7:00 - 8:00 pm Visual Art Gallery Opening & Reception

8:00 - 8:30 pm Introduction to Dharma Art

8:30 - 8:45 pm Poetry Reading

8:45 - 9:00 pm Film: Short Films

9:00 - 9:15 pm Group Reading of VCTR play

Saturday, March 20th (11:00 am - 5:00 pm)

11:00 - 11:30 am Meditation

11:30 - 12:45 pm Workshop on Shakyo (sutra copying)

12:45 - 2:30 pm Lunch

2:30 - 2:45 pm Group Reading of VCTR play

2:45 - 3:00 pm Performance Art

3:00 - 3:30 pm Talk on Miksang

3:30 - 3:45 pm Musical Performance

3:45 - 4:00 pm Poetry Reading

4:00 - 4:15 pm Group Reading of VCTR play

4:15 - 5:00 pm Closing Reception

Sunday, March 21 (9:00 am - Noon)

9:00 am - Noon Nyinthun

10:00 am - Noon Shambhala Kids Club

Corinne Nakamura

San Antonio, Tx

Our festival is planned for March 5-7 and we are doing the art of Kyudo.  Sensei Shibata is coming to visit us for an entire week!  FANTASTIC!  Here is the publicity so far, and it is on our web site:

 (http://www.sanantonio.shambhala.org/program_details.php?id=37937&cid=231).

Friday, March 5th, 7:00-9:00 pm

Introduction to the Fourth Annual Shambhala Arts Festival

Public Talk with Kanjuro Shibata XX, Sensei on the Path of Kyudo

Saturday, March 6th, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday, March 7th, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Kyudo: Cultivating the Genuine Heart of Warriorship
with Kanjuro Shibata Sensei - Traditionally regarded as the highest form of samurai training, Japanese archery evolved over the centuries into a powerful path of cultivating meditative awareness and self-realization. Known as “standing Zen”, Kyudo, the way of the bow, polishes the heart so that our natural dignity and goodness can shine forth. In Kyudo, the target serves as a reflection of our quality of mind, rather than as a goal to be attained. Everyone is invited to attend: young and old, beginners and seasoned practitioners, individuals and families. Beginners receive instruction in the “seven coordinations.”

Kanjuro Shibata XX, Sensei, is a 20th-generation Kyudo master and 3rd-generation bowmaker to the Emperor of Japan. He is a master of the Chikurin-Ha, Heki School of Kyudo, which dates back to 15th-century Japan. Sensei was a close personal friend of the late Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, who first invited Sensei to the West in 1980 to teach the etiquette and dignity of ancient Japanese warriorship to Western students. Together they founded Ryuko Kyudojo in Boulder, Colorado. Since then, he has traveled and taught extensively in the West, establishing Kyudo practice halls throughout North America and Europe.

Todd Russel 

San Diego, USA

 This year our shambhala arts day will be celebrated with a mini film festival of sorts for the sangha...I was able to get permission to show three wonderful films Buddha's Lost Children, Dreaming Lhasa, and Unmistaken Child...the date has yet to be established but it will probably be sometime in April.

thank you,

Pasquale Verdicchio

Seattle, USA

Looks like we are going to have an into to Miksang and photography hanging. We are also working on getting a taiko drum group and a reading from Finnigans Wake from a local James Joyce scholar. I’ll let you know how it works out.

Chris Roberts

Vancouver, Canada 

Vancouver will be celebrating the artists and the arts in our community on Saturday evening March 20.

The visual art being displayed includes gilded paintings by Lucie Lambert, handmade paper by Barbara Sobon, silver jewellery by Walter Coates, miksang photographs by Rolf Erni, thangkas by Noedup Rongae, and a large ikebana installation by Betty Rongae.  In addition, a young sangha member, Ruby, will be presenting some musical pieces.  

 We will also be enjoying wine, cheese and socializing.  

Jillyan Gift

Victoria, BC, Canada

Hamish Tucker & Charles Blackhall

Annual Intl Contemplative Arts Fest.

Hi everybody,

You are welcome to participate all around the world and make a « festive event of the arts » at your area. It is still open to one day, one evening or one weekend event on the « International Day » or around that time of year.

Let me know if you are interested to make an event at your area and please send me the representative name, date, place and what you would envision to do as a celebration inspired by Dharma Art principles and teachings as an enlightened society vision.

I will be back with more informations about a potential next International « Special Event production » as well.

Please send all infos and material at : contemplativeartsfestival@gmail.com

Thank you,

Violaine Morinville

Director of the Intl Contemplative Arts Festival

Intl Shambhala Arts Day Festival 2009

International Shambhala Arts Day Festival



Mission Statement –

The International Shambhala Arts Day Festival is an international
gathering of contemplative arts teachers, artists and practionners to
celebrate the arts as an enlightened society vision.

This event is a way to provide a space to empower the sacred in every
day life and a meaningful way in the creative process to include all
arts forms. The schedule of activities embodies the Dharma – Shambhala
Art teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche as well as new ways to
create art inspired by these principles, and to bring it forth in the
contemporary world.

Slogan : Art that wakes us up


Infos :

Violaine Morinville
Director of the Intl Shambhala Arts Day Festival
Email : contemplativeartsfestival@gmail.com
& in collaboration with the Administrative Council of Shambhala Art International

Website – www.shambhalaart.org - under the link: shambhala art day

Clip of the Intl Shambhala Arts Day Festival : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URooq3FWYLU&feature=channel_page

Blog: http://contemplativeartsfestival.blogspot.com

http://shambhalatimes.org/2009/02/14/international-shambhala-arts-day-festival

Facebook - Contemplative Arts Festival -
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21843096196&ref=ts

Shambhala Art -
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=35177075200&ref=ts
----------------------------------------


International Shambhala Arts Day Festival
Saturday March 21st 2009
& weekends around the Spring Equinox


Atlanta

Greetings from Atlanta!
We will be celebrating on March 20-22 this year. This year, we would like to make a Mandala which involves the participation of those attending. I have enjoyed reading updates from other Centers as we're considering the many ways to make this an interactive, community building, event.

We are adding a children's art playshop to the weekend. For a little humor, I am also using a spinning origami top. You simply spin the top and the arrow on the top lands on "the answer" on the board. Answers are much like koans such as the following four answers: definitely-maybe, sometimes-always, full-empty, end-beginning, etc. The serious business of the value of art will be incorporated in our Sunday discussion. Happy art making to everyone.

Dianne Pax Issen, Miche' Gayton Kali, Sarah Hatch
and many more other art warriors to come!

Diane Issen


Baltimore

Oh yes...I think it is very definitely an annual affair now !

Judy Bond

   The Baltimore Shambhala Center celebrated Shambhala Arts Day last month (Saturday, March 7), which included an art showing/reception featuring 11 sangha members, followed by performances (poetry, music, a story, and a poetry/movement piece) by 10 sangha members.

 Thanks for your work!

 Cheers,

Jennifer Parde

Bellingham

on 05/09/2009

We are delighted to participate again this year. We are discussing a repeat of a movement workshop with Rick Merrill, a poetry workshop with Jeanne Yeasting and Joe Mackie, Ikebana with Charles Coghlan. Other possibilities are being discussed. Our creative and most joyous event last year was the final reception and soiree. That will be our focus this year, creative offerings followed by a dance party.

The committe of Rick Merrill, Jeanne Yeasting and Sandra Harper have decided on 5/9 for our second Art Festival.

  Please join the Bellingham Shambhala community for an evening of socializing, Wake up through the sharing of creative performances and contributions. This is an opportunity to mix, mingle, share and celebrate with food, drink and creative outpourings. Seth Zimmerman and Rick Merrill are collaborating on a cello dance piece. Jeanne Yeasting has a fun interactive word smithing contribution. Rosalyn Householder has a poetry reading and there's more.

Sign up for offerings of finger food, wine, improv, dance, poetry, skits, music, etc.

Greetings,

Bellingham Shambhala Center's event held May 9th. There was greater attendance this year along with a joyful out pouring of generous, shared creativity. We scaled back the size, from last year. We had a Reception followed by the offerings of creativity. This worked very well for the size of our community.

With warm regard,

Sandra Harper

Coordinator

Berkeley, CA

One idea that has come up involves costumes! We will send more information when we have a date and a plan.

Lory Poulson, John Osajima, Lara Summerville

Boston, MA

Sunday April 26th @1pm

  Thank you so much for including us here in Boston! Here is more information about what we're doing with Shambhala Art in Boston so you can add it to the archive.

 Shambhala Art Day

with Amanda Loy-Jung & Sarah Lipton

April 26th 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

 In this afternoon workshop, we will explore the teachings of Shambhala Art by engaging space through meditation and a series of sensory and creative exercises. The opportunity is to practice mindfulness in such a way that genuine expression of creativity arises in the moment.

 We'll be playing with grounding exercises and then move the participants through an experience of moving through the space and playing with sensory input and creative output. We'll meditate for a half hour first, then lead an Intensification, followed by an 8 (also known as the 20) minute dance and then Aimless Wandering. We will then have a conversation about Trungpa Rinpoche and Dharma Art and then move into a playful excersise of blindfolded tasting and spontaneous poetry and storytelling.

 The Presence Point - A Shambhala Art Workshop

with Sarah Lipton & Amanda Loy-Jung

May 12th - June 16th, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

 "Be present

In your body

In the space

While moving

Sensing

Expressing

                                               Reflecting"

Shambhala art is a deep practice of creating from an awakened state of mind. In this six-week workshop, we will be engaging these teachings through deepening our meditation practice and playing with a series of sensory and creative exercises. The opportunity is to practice mindfulness in such a way that genuine expression of creativity arises in the moment.

In this 6 week series, we will explore meditation as the seed of creativity. We will play games of perception and open ourselves to new forms of expression in space. In culmination, we will engage in a group process of expressing, witnessing and reflecting.

Join us as we present meditative exercises designed to open our connection to space. By re-connecting mind and body through sensory experience we will ultimately engage in genuine creative expression. Come prepared to experience space in new ways. Open to beginners and experienced practitioners alike, this is a way to deepen your meditation and creative practice, or begin one.

--

Thanks for your support! It's so wonderful to know these teachings are being shared internationally in the Shambhala mandala!

 Yours in the Great Eastern Sun,

 Sarah Lipton

Center Coordinator

Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston

www.shambhalaboston.org

Dechen Chöling, France

This year it is scheduled for May 10th. I am not exactly sure what shape it will take but we have some ideas forming.
I will send more information as it takes shape.

Dear shambhala Art teachers and friends,

 Below is a short article that I wrote for the European Newsletter. 

 Arts Day here was in May due to the intense schedule of programs at Dechen Choling. I do have  photos that I can send if you are interested and some video of the performance but it has to be compressed (or what ever the process is) to be able to send it over the internet. Fabrice Champion, mentioned below in relation to the performance, is a french sangha member who had a tragic accident and is confined to a wheel chair.

 Warm and sunny summer greetings,

Herb

  On Sunday May 10th Dechen Choling celebrated Shambhala Arts Day.. This is our annual open house for the local community and this year our theme was, "How to invite magic". We had about sixty visitors.

 There was an exhibition in the main shrine room of three giant ikebana arrangements which created a beautiful environment. There were  demonstrations of kyudo, by Yves Brett and Michael Behrens, kado by Gerd Kohler, and calligraphy by Herbert Elsky. Catherine Eveillard-Elsky conducted a guided tour of DCL and Matthias Pomgranz gave meditation instruction to a curious and enthusiastic group.. We had our always popular  tea time with cakes by Francoise Mourmant which provides an informal setting for visitors and DCL staff to chat and get to know each other. The DCL staff provided fantastic support, helping to organize and create this event, even though they are fully involved in the set-up for summer programs.

 The closing talk by Fabrice Champion and Herbert Elsky presented the theme of inviting magic and was followed by a choreographed ceremony, performed for the first time ever in the universe, during which  Herb whirled Fabrice around in his wheel chair as Fabrice created three huge calligraphies by swinging an improvised "brush" on a two and a half meter handle.. Each of the three calligraphies ended with the two of them creating spontaneous poetry together. During the final calligraphy the whole audience opened their voices with the artists to become participants in  the event.

It was a wonderful day and we made many new friends.

 Joop Laan, Herb Elsky

Fort Collins, CO

A few of the Ft. Collins Sangha and I have organized a Heaven & Earth Society which puts on Social events centering on spirituality and the arts to help encourage an enlightened society.... in Fort Collins...

The Fort Collins, CO Shambhala Center will be hosting a Dharma Poetry Reading and Workshop with Poet Gary Allen on March 21, 2009 in celebration of the Intl Shambhala Arts Day Festival...coordinated by the Fort Collins Heaven and Earth Society...

Thank you for the inspiration!
Clark Erwin-Billones


London, Europe

Thanks for all your hard work over the years!

London Shambhala Centre is hosting an open house/ public event, showcasing some of the Shambhala Arts: Kyudo, Kado, Calligraphy and Miksang. This will be
linked up with a London wide initiative to slow the pace of city living, named
'Slow Down London'.
We are also gathering contributions from sangha members for an exhibition of
visual and live arts based on the theme: Art that wakes up.
Due to scheduling, we are hosting this on the first weekend in May.

Claire Van Rhyn


Los Angeles, CA

Here in L.A., we'll be doing our festival in May again.
We're thinking of doing something completely different from the past
three...rather than an exhibition, a sit-down banquet feast of the senses
with musical performances.

Anne Saitzyk & Debra Dysart


Madison, WI

We are celebrating on March 22nd. We will do a lot of what we have done in the past, and works well: Miksang slideshow, Ikebana demonstration with a chance to do it yourself, plus this year a Lujong workshop and drawing and play time for kids. We usually draw around 20 people, have a potluck and get quite a few kids, who love it!

Thanks!
Miriam Hall


Maine

It would likely be an evening of music, poetry and video.

Rebekah Younger


Montpelier, VT

The Montpelier Shambhala Center is definitely going to particpate. We're thinking about offering that people in our community have the opportunity to have their "contemplative art" presented at our meditation center. I like to not overly define what art is. I'd like to see what comes our way and why the creator considers it contemplative art, and then let the submission process guide what the program would look like. We do not yet have specific programming planned.

Many thanks! Peace
Don Grabowski


New York, NY

March 20-22 2009
As part of an annual special event in motion!

Friday March 20th
Performance Evening 7 - 9 :30pm
& Art Exhibition of Sensei Paul (Do Sho) Quintero
Zen Monk/ artist 

Intro talk of the Intl Arts Festival & performance presentations

Angela Alston, Film - "An excerpt from Dream Time"

Ravenna Michalsen, Dharma Song - "Ki Ki So So", "Just A Seed Waiting
to Grow" and "May My MInd Turn to Others"

Peter Goldfarb, Rumi Poems

Dance Visions Company :
With Beth Jucovy, Nichole Piacenza, Jessie Tomanek, Johnny De Arden

Rochelle Weithorn, Milarepa Children's Chorus

Philip Foster & Open Music Ensemble
Interactive Movement for all by Violaine Morinville
Closure

Saturday March 21st
Workshops 10am - 6pm
& Art Exhibition

10am to 11am - Dave Perrin – Mudra exploration
11am to Noon - Laura Simms – Storytelling workshop
12pm to 12 :30pm Discussions, practice & creative improvisations

Lunch
2pm to 4 :30pm - Peter Goldfarb – Dharma of Theater
4 :45 to 5 :45pm – Open Music Circle workshop
5 :45 - 6pm – Closure of the day

Sunday March 22nd
1pm to 4pm
Art Exhibition –
& Open space for creativity, readings, etc.

@ NY Shambhala Meditation Center
118 W 22nd Street #6
New York, NY

Production : Violaine Morinville & NYC team

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNrKrGQ-opw&feature=channel_page

Phoenix, AZ

Hello!

The Phoenix Sangha would like to participate in the Arts Festival.
We are a very enthusiastic center!

I feel my role is to open up "spaces for possibilities"
Phoenix has a growing arts community and every year there is a downtown tour/celebration of the arts called "Art Detour" -- I have a space lined up for our Sangha to share the outcomes of our endeavors leading up to the spring events.

Thanks!
Ana Bron, Julie Rayda, coordinators

Portland, Oregon

Corinne Nakamura

San Antonio, TX

Greetings from Texas!

We will be celebrating our "Third Annual San Antonio Shambhala Arts Festival" on March 20-22, 2009.
We will keep you posted about our planned events.

Third Annual San Antonio Shambhala Arts Festival
March 21st & 22nd, 2009

“The buddha family, or families, associated with a person describes his or her fundamental style, that person’s intrinsic perspective or stance in perceiving the world and working with it. Each family is associated with both a neurotic and an enlightened style. The neurotic expression of any buddha family can be transmuted into its wisdom or enlightened aspect. As well as describing people’s styles, the buddha families are also associated with colors, elements, landscapes, directions, seasons—with any aspect of the phenomenal world.”

- Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche -


Saturday, March 21, 2009
Appreciating the Five Wisdom Energies

This year’s Shambhala Arts Festival will feature work that embodies and exemplifies each of the five wisdom energies, or Buddha families. On Saturday, March 21, 2009, the Shambhala Meditation Center of San Antonio will host an exhibition of Miksang photography, a contemplative art form based on the Dharma Art teachings of Shambhala founder Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, illustrating the flavor of each Buddha family. There will also be a live performance of a new musical piece composed of five movements, each of which will provide an immersion into one of the five families through the sense of sound. This original musical interpretation of the wisdom energies will be performed by composers Phil Castillo and Travis Dierolf. The evening will begin at 7:00 pm with a brief talk about the five wisdom energies, and a celebratory reception of hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be offered.


Sunday, March 22, 2009
Celebrating Sangha Through Sound

On Sunday morning, we will commence our public meditation practice at 9:30 am, followed by a continuation of our celebration of sound by enjoying the “Bamboo Spirit Shakuhachi Concert” at 10:00 am. The shakuhachi is a wooden flute which was traditionally played by Japanese Buddhist monks as part of their path of practice. At 11:00 am everyone will be invited to participate in a form of sonic meditation, which involves using sound to experience the vibrant sanity of our lives. A potluck lunch will follow at noon.

http://www.sanantonio.shambhala.org/program_details.php?id=14520&cid=231

Take care,
Todd Russell

SAN DIEGO

Celebrating on May 16th by also connecting with eco-dharma...i have been doing an eco-dharma discussion group at the center in san diego and will use the arts festival to put together an environmental film festival...

 This year was a one day event in which we held poetry reading by a couple of fine young poets and then screened short films and docs dealing with environmental issues...a good turn out for a wonderful evening of poetry and eco-consciousness...

Pasquale Verdicchio

 

SANTA ROSA 

Shambhala Art is art that springs from the meditative state of mind.
As it forms into being, it brings wakefulness and awareness to the
creative and viewing processes through the integration of
contemplation and meditation. It is based on a collection of teachings
by Chögyam Trungpa that appreciate the uniqueness of everyday sensory
experience, the art of everyday life. We aren’t talking about
particular types of skills, but instead the primordial source of
inspiration, its manifestation, and how it speaks to us.

Join us for an inspiring day exploring the various arts of Miksang Photography, Gourmet Food, and a Writers’ Workshop

10 AM – What is Miksang?

Come join us for an introduction to Miksang photography, a contemplative art form based on the Shambhala and Dharma Art teachings of the late meditation master, artist, and scholar Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. Sue and Warner Keeley will talk about a few of the basic principles behind Miksang photography, share a few of the opening exercises that are part of the training and present a slide show of their work. No cameras necessary

12:30 PM – a Gourmet Luncheon served mindfully by some of our members

2 PM – Noelle Oxenhandler, nationally acclaimed writer and teacher, will lead us in a writing workshop. "WRITE WHERE YOU ARE: An Exploration of Writing as Basic Goodness."

The world always gives, the poet said.
We just have to get out of the way, said the sage.
In this writing workshop, for beginning and practiced writers alike,
we'll explore some basic principles and strategies for using words to tap into the fundamental richness of our lives. By the end, you may feel as though you've been "dreaming the same dream" with others in the room, yet you're sure to leave with a nugget of poetic prose that is very much your own....

Noelle Oxenhandler's most recent book is The Wishing Year: A House, A Man, My Soul. Her essays have been published in many national and literary magazines, including The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, VOGUE, and "O". She is a member of the English Department at Sonoma State University, where she teaches Creative Writing. A contributing editor for Tricycle Magazine, she has been a practicing Buddhist since1969.

Barbara H.


Seattle

Here in Seattle, we have 3/21/09 reserved for the Intl Shambhala Arts Day Festival. 

I will be coordinating it.

Shambhala Arts Festival
Saturday March 21

The Shambhala Arts Festival is an international event that takes place around the spring equinox when the entire Shambhala community and friends are invited to celebrate art forms and disciplines that embody the Dharma Art teachings of the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. These teachings encourage the creation and manifestation of art that wakes up the viewer as well as its maker to a sense of unconditional sacredness within the phenomenal world.

Ikebana Workshop and Exhibit
With Charles Coghlan
1 to 3:30 pm

Come learn or practice the Japanese art of flower arrangement with one of Seattle’s most beloved masters and help prepare the space for the celebration. All materials will be provided. The cost is $25 (scholarships available). For further info & to RSVP, please contact Charles Coghlan (charles@hanadesignikebana.com). This workshop is the Spring session of the Four Seasons Center Benefit Series.

Reception and Equinox Celebration
Welcoming the gods of springtime
4:30 to 7 pm

This Exhibition of Shambhala Art will become a social gathering for the whole community. Music will be performed by The Golden Heron Gamelan Orchestra and offerings of poetry and dance are encouraged. Beer, wine, and a special "flower" cocktail will be available from a no host bar along with other snacks and refreshments. 

 Chris Roberts

 TUCSON, AZ

SHAMBHALA ARTS FESTIVAL 2009 -
SHAMBHALA MEDITATION CENTER - MARCH 20 & 21

The annual Shambhala Arts Festival will take place at the Tucson Shambhala Meditation Center beginning with a reception on Friday, March 20, 6:30-9:30 P.M. and continuing on Saturday March 21, 2009, 2-5 P.M. 

If the 2009 festival is anything like last year's, it will include an art exhibition of 2-D and 3-D artwork, performance art and a special clay meditation. We ask anyone interested to submit proposals by Tuesday, March 17.

The Shambhala Arts Festival is celebrated at Shambhala Centers all around the world near or on the date of Shambhala Arts Day, March 21, 2008, the spring equinox, and is part of The International Shambhala Arts Festival, which is about manifesting and displaying art that wakes up its maker and its viewer to genuineness and truthfulness. To quote Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, "Genuine art reveals the truth." The Festival takes place throughout the world each spring and the community is invited to celebrate the arts based on Shambhala/Dharma Art principles. This event is an opportunity to gather artists and help establish the roots of enlightened society. Shambhala Art explores the creative and viewing processes and the product we call art from the viewpoint of a meditative discipline. It is a viewpoint that encourages us to see things as they are, rather than how we imagine they are.

To propose entries, which can include visual art, participatory art (such as readings, group discussions, etc.), and/or performance art, and/or to volunteer for the festival, please review the attached Shambhala Arts Festival "Call For Artists, Volunteers and Participants" and contact the Festival coordinator, Aurore Chabot, at aurorec@dakotacom.net. Aurore will send you festival details via email. The deadline to propose works of art, participatory art, and/or performance art and other festival activities is on or before Tuesday, March 17, preferably via email, with digital images, if available, attached, to Festival coordinator. Those without email access can send hard copy material to: Aurore Chabot, Tucson Shambhala Arts Festival 2008 Coordinator, 823 S 2nd Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701-3214, or call at 520-623-3582.

The Tucson Shambhala Center invites everyone (you don't need to be a Shambhala sangha member) to participate in this very special observance of the joy of creativity.

SHAMBHALA ARTS FESTIVAL 2009 TOOK PLACE AT TUCSON SHAMBHALA MEDITATION CENTER MARCH 20 TO 21 

The annual Shambhala Arts Festival took place at the Tucson Shambhala Meditation Center beginning with a reception on Friday, March 20, 6:30-9:30 P.M. and continuing on Saturday March 21, 2009, 2-5 P.M.  It included an art exhibition of 2-D and 3-D artwork, a performance art piece entitled The Meditator by Mike Keller Friday night during the reception and a special clay meditation led by Aurore Chabot on Saturday afternoon.  Sixteen pieces of art and a meditative video art piece by University of Arizona graduate student Jeejung Kim also helped make this year’s festival a dynamic event.  The main meditation shrine room, used as the gallery for artworks, like magic, was truly transformed into a warm, inviting space that glowed with positive creative energy.  Please see the list of participants and the titles of their work or event below. 

The Shambhala Arts Festival is celebrated at Shambhala Centers all around the world near or on the date of Shambhala Arts Day, March 21, 2008, the spring equinox, and is part of The International Shambhala Arts Festival, which is about manifesting and displaying art that wakes up its maker and its viewer to genuineness and truthfulness.  To quote Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, “Genuine art reveals the truth.”  The Festival takes place throughout the world each spring and the community is invited to celebrate the arts based on Shambhala/Dharma Art principles.  This event is an opportunity to gather artists and help establish the roots of enlightened society.  Shambhala Art explores the creative and viewing processes and the product we call art from the viewpoint of a meditative discipline.  It is a viewpoint that encourages us to see things as they are, rather than how we imagine they are. 

Aurore Chabot again offered her time, skill and efforts as the Tucson Shambhala Arts Festival 2009 Coordinator, and on behalf of The Tucson Shambhala Meditation Center, extended an open invitation to anyone interested in participating in this very special observance of the joy of creativity.  Thanks go to all the artists and participants who helped hang the exhibition so expertly and set up the opening reception with so many delectable refreshments and to blaze who arranged flowers so beautifully.

 LIST OF ARTISTS AND WORKS

1. Ceramic pottery by Nathaniel Addison; 3 pots with plants; 3 empty pots; see list and prices near pieces. 

2. Red Apples in a Mexican Bowl by Cynthia Fitting;  

3.  Green Tara by Nancy McDonald, acrylic 16x20"

Green Tara represents the protection aspect of mind  

4. Welded metal sculpture with patina by Bryan Crowe 
 

5. Cataloga Accretionara, work on paper by Aurore Chabot

6. Porcelain vase with two handles by Aurore Chabot  

7. Photos by  Cody Robertson

      Left: Agave; Center: Prickly Pear With Sky; Right: Red Window 

7a.  Photographic cards by Cody Robertson 

8. . Lance by Jan McDonald, oil pastels  20x24"

"Like a lance that flashes free in the open sky"  is a well-known

expression in the Great Perfection teachings-indicating a sudden

flash of insight 

9. 3 In 1 P-pear by Baltazar Alcantara (email: bbaltzar 

10.  The Hope of Doing Nothing by William E. Thompson, acrylic on canvas, Janurary 2009 

11. Two sgraffito stoneware plaques, Left and Right on yellow silk wall, by Richard

      Zelens

12. Earth my body, Water my blood, Air my breath, Fire my spirit,

      14x18", wood block print, Self-portrait by Ira McDonald Christian, Center on

      yellow silk wall 

13. Assortment of porcelain and earthenware pieces in site-specific arrangements for

      this festival by Aurore Chabot, on Left low counter (Sak-ti like shapes with

      stamped auspicious symbols) and figures, tiles, stamped cloud shapes, and small

      sculptures scattered around middle glass covered counter. 

14. White Chenrezi by Nancy McDonald, Clay and acrylic 9" high; Chenrezi

      symbolizes the compassionate aspect of mind, on raised center base.  

15.  Still life by Roni McDonald, 7x10" water color 

16.  Group of three drawings by Lisa Aguilera

      Left: Mi Corazon, ink on paper

      Right, top: Broken Butterfly

      Right, bottom: Honor the Spider 

17. (((((in))))) video performance by Jeejung Kim

      Can be viewed on Aurore’s laptop 
 

18. Performance during Friday night Opening Reception: The Meditator by

      Mike Keller; performed in back shrine room around 7:30 P.M. 

19. Clay meditation with Aurore Chabot, Saturday at 3 PM for one hour:

      Each participant will be given about a one cubic inch piece of clay to work on

      silently for one hour, followed by a discussion of each participant’s experience

      during the meditation.  Clay and small tools will be provided and if any of the

      participants wish, Aurore can fire the pieces to be picked up at a later date.                    

 Aurore Chabot

Vancouver, BC

In Vancouver we are celebrating the Shambhala Arts with an evening series called SPARKS of SANITY, Heaven Earth and Man: beginning in Feb and running bi-weekly, to the end of April, 6 sessions in total. Four local artists are leading evenings that both introduce Shambhala Art principles and offer a taste of their particular contemplative disciplines.

Robyn Trail, assisted by Bruce Freedman, is working with sound and music.
Carrie Abresch is presenting embodiment and movement; and Paul Belserene speech, sound and writing...or poetry in motion.
Margaret Jones Callahan is presenting brush work and Ikebana.

We are happy to report that participation is high, and a community of artists and members interested in creativity is developing.
Jillyan Gift is Vancouver's new Shambhala Art co-ordinator.

Happy spring to you all,

Margaret Jones Callahan


Victoria, BC
Charles Blackhall


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