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.

Jan 9 -Practicing Presence: Time Capsules

As we enter another new year, reflections on "time" can lead us into a deeper experience of the "now". Our special guest artist and JFKU adjunct faculty member Margaret Lindsey will host this evening's creative reverie on the tempos and turnings we experience as time. Please join us!

For more information about Margaret Lindsey: http://www.artransforms.com/artists/lindsey/index.html

image: Pharoah by Jay Defeo

December 12: Divine Purpose & Passion- Dream Candles

"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens."
- Carl Jung

December’s ArtDate explores purpose and passion through dream-work, meditation and collage. While holding our deepest, heartfelt intentions, we’ll create a Dream Candle to reflect our unique, divine purpose. The Dream Candle serves as a metaphorical vessel of our own inner light, shining the way if the path grows dark. Used in personal ritual, Dream Candles can remind us to keep our creative passions burning, even on the darkest nights.