ArtDate takes a Break

Hello ArtDate fans. Some of you may be wondering where our seasonal schedule is, and when we might resume our free-friday night artmaking socials...well, sadly, budget and time restraints have led JFKU's Department of Arts & Consciousness to take a break in our monthly ArtDate series...but if you are completely hooked on exploring your creative free spirit in a supportive group environment, consider our masters program in Transformative Arts or come to our lecture series! For more info go to www.jfku.edu or contact me at ralexander@jfku.edu.

ArtDate June 12- Traveling Postcards

This month’s ArtDate celebrates the power of art and story to connect us all. Come contribute a heart-made artwork to a collection of traveling postcards for women around the world. Created and hosted by the transformative artist Caroline Lovell, Traveling Postcards are created to give away, so that every woman who receives one understands that she is cared for, and person who makes one can been seen and heard. Honor a woman you love, make a card in her name, and connect with another woman across the world without leaving your home! All materials provided. Feel free to bring a photo from home to use on your card. A small donation of $5-35 to help Traveling Postcards continue to thrive would be greatly appreciated, but is not required. For more information about Traveling Postcards, please visit www.carolinelovell.blogspot.com.

May 8- Playful Spirit: Expressive Movement

Please join us for a creative night of movement inspired art-making! Tonight's ArtDate is all about the Playful Spirit that is found within Expressive Movement. We'll celebrate and explore our individual creative energy through the movements of "the body" using improv, collaborative games, dance, voice and color. Come with an open mind, an adventurous heart and wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes. This will not be overly vigourous or strenous experience, ArtDate is suitable and adaptable for all levels of physical ability. Special guest instructors are Sarah Theismann and Catherine Baumgartner, students in the Department of Arts & Consciousness.

April 10: Collaborative Mandala

Come connect and create in a sacred circle!

This month's ArtDate is a meditative practice using the creative, healing power of the mandala. Derived from the Hindu language, a mandala is a circular design arranged in layers radiating outwards from the center. The mandala has a rich history in many ritual-based traditions. It is found in the Tibetan art, Australian Aboriginal sand paintings, in Hindu cosmology, in ancient Mayan architecture, in Celtic art, and in Native American ritual and art, where earth materials are used for prayer and protection.

You'll create your own exploratory, personal mandala with mixed-media on paper, then share in the collaborative experience of co-creating an Earth mandala with natural materials.

All materials provided, but feel free to bring rocks, leaves, flowers or any other natural materials to contribute.

Friday, April 10
7:30-10:00pm
JFKU/ Dept. of Arts & Consciousness
2nd Floor/ Studio 2
2956 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley CA

VIBRANT ENERGY ArtDate Pictures

This was a very calm and meditative ArtDate with beautiful results. We played with traditional Japanese ink and brushes as well as breath, movement, and energy flow. Have a look at the pictures!

March 13: Vibrant Energy- Ink, Brush, Paper

Explore the relationship between mark-making, movement, and meditation and as you discover and express “vibrant energy” using ink, brush and paper. Special guest artist and A&C Chair, Mike Grady leads this very zen-inspired ArtDate. No previous training in art, Eastern or Western required! Please join us!

ARTDATE: Every Second Friday 7:30-10pm

2956 San Pablo Avenue, 2nd Floor, Studio 2

For more information, contact Robbyn @ 510-647-2046

Pictures from Dream Candles ArtDate

Feb. 13- Relationship & Ritual: Love Altars

"The spirit of love and good art have equal beauty. " -Masahisa Goi, Japanese Founder of the World Peace Prayer Society

(image: "Aquarius" by Stuart Walker, BFA program, Dept. of Arts & Consciousness at JFKU)

February’s Art Date will be an act of love through creative ritual and honoring. Working with collage and mixed-media, we’ll each create a unique “Love Altar” celebrating the relationships we cherishmost. Altars can be used to honor family, ancestors or friends; to manifest, improve or celebrate romantic partnerships; or to simply acknowledge and nurture your own “joie de vivre”.

Bring your favorite photos of family, friends and other loved-ones to include in your altar, and any trinkets or objects that symbolize your connections. All other materials provided.