A Meditative Arts Weekend

August 9 – 11, 2024
Rolling Ridge Study Retreat — near Harpers Ferry, WV

Artist Claudia Giannini is interested in exploring the connections between art and spirituality in her own work and in art throughout the world and time. Early in her art studies, she was inspired by Tibetan mandalas to create work about the sacredness of the natural world. Claudia will present a talk about how different cultures, such as Tibetan and Native American, use mandalas to heal, inspire and connect us to our true nature and the cosmos. We will look at how mandalas are constructed and the significance of shapes, colors, and imagery.

Participants will then make their own mandalas based on simplified traditional Tibetan forms and designs. We will work with paint and collage to create our own personal mandalas.

All supplies will be provided but you are welcome to bring any materials you wish. No artistic experience is necessary, but an open mind is a must!

Retreat leader, Claudia Giannini received her MFA from West Virginia University, with specialization in printmaking and photography and has exhibited her work widely. Her 38-year career in the museum field provided extensive experience with both historic and contemporary art. She has studied Buddhism for many years.

Retreat host, Linda DeGraf is an artist, quilter, gardener for wildlife, sacred circle dancer, and retired teacher. She has led and hosted numerous retreats on meditative arts. She lives at Rolling Ridge in an earth-friendly home that she and her husband Scot built.

The retreat costs $295 for shared accommodations in the Retreat House. This fee covers lodging; 6 meals+2 snacks; art supplies; support for the ongoing work at RRSRC and Claudia & Linda’s planning and leadership. Anyone needing a scholarship to help cover the costs of the retreat is encouraged to fill out a scholarship form before registering. You can do that at this link.

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