Create a Finger Labyrinth for Stress Relief and Wellbeing
Sunday May 1
2:30 – 4:30 pm, EASTERN
Meryl Ann is a founding member of The Labyrinth Society and has been building labyrinths since 1992.
No artistic experience required, suitable for all skill levels.
This workshop will guide you in making your own finger labyrinth just in time to use it for World Labyrinth Day, Saturday May 7, 2022, when participants around the world will connect with each other as they walk full-sized or finger labyrinths from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm LOCAL time, creating a rolling wave of healing energy surrounding the earth.
“Walking” a finger labyrinth can be used any time for personal stress reduction and enhanced creativity.
Using your non-dominant hand to walk a finger labyrinth helps create new neural pathways in the brain which enhances wellbeing.
Meditating, journaling or praying after using the finger labyrinth can offer rich moments of grace and renewal.
Even on a busy day when you may not have time to use the finger labyrinth, just having it visible in your space can help connect you with your center of stillness.
Finger labyrinths are useful if walking a full-sized labyrinth is not available or practical, yet results in many of the same benefits.
Finger labyrinths can be purchased, but making your own is not only fun and rewarding, it is economical, too!
By walking a labyrinth, you are participating in an activity that has been significant to people all over the world for at least 3,000 years. Instead of just reading about mythology, you can participate in it!
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
The Zoom waiting room will open about five minutes before the start of the workshop.
You will see a presentation and demo showing how to make your own finger labyrinth, and the benefits you can expect by using it. You can choose to just observe, and make yours later, or collect supplies and work on your finger labyrinth during the workshop.
All registrants are also invited to attend Meryl Ann’s separate Zoom slide presentation on Labyrinths and World Labyrinth Day on Sunday May 1, from 12:30 – 1:30 EASTERN, and will receive the link along with the link to the workshop. Attendees will also receive a link to the recording to watch later, if preferred.
SUPPLIES:
Canvas panel
Cotton cord/string
Transfer paper
Tape
Pen
Scissors
Glue or hot glue gun
Acrylic paint and embellishments as desired.
Additional details are in the 11-page download that you receive when you register.
All participants will receive a link to the workshop recording about 24-48 hours after the event ends, so, if you prefer, you can elect to create your finger labyrinth after the live workshop and still have it done in time to use on World Labyrinth Day.
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LABYRINTHS AND WORLD LABYRINTH DAY: https://www.opednews.com/Series/Labyrinths-by-Meryl-Ann-Butler-130824-485.html
The American Cancer Society states that walking labyrinths “may be helpful as a complementary method to decrease stress and create a state of relaxation.”
Research conducted by Dr. Herbert Benson at Harvard Medical School’s Mind/Body Medical Institute has found that focused walking meditations are highly effective at reducing anxiety and eliciting what Dr. Benson refers to as the relaxation response, which can:
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower breathing rates
- Reduce incidents of chronic pain
- Reduce insomnia
Registration
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:
Upcoming Workshops: Times and Dates TBA
Learn by copying: Georgia O’Keeffe’s Poppies
You’ll learn Meryl Ann’s valuable methods as you paint a copy of Oriental Poppies, 18” x 24.”
The initial underpainting is done in acrylics in order to create depth of color, the top painting is done in oils for ease in blending. Copying from the Old Masters is one of the most basic traditional learning methods – in fact, the reason art museums were founded was in order to provide great works for art students to copy!
Elements of Art: Keys of Color
Students receive a pdf of Meryl Ann’s 30-page workbook, Elements of Art: Keys of Color, and during workshop times, will complete the color charts that accompany the workbook. Students go at their own pace. Supplies: a set of gouache (not acrylic gouache) and brushes.
Drawing Tips and Secrets
Demos and hands on activities to train you eye and hand, and a peek into some of the secrets the Masters used for accuracy in drawing.
Brooklyn Art Library Sketchbook Project
The Brooklyn Art Library is the world’s largest collection of artist sketchbooks! Every participant uses the same 5×7” blank custom sketchbook, with approximately 16 two-page spreads (you can adjust the number of pages) , to engage in creative storytelling within a global community. Students in this class will work on their own personalized art sketchbook with technical and creative assistance from the instructor and inspiration from the other students in class. Sketchbooks can include drawn and or painted images, words, poetry, photos, collage, and more. Classes will meet several times and students have 3-4 months to complete their art sketchbook. This is an exciting way to gain skills in art journaling, share your message with the world, and add an important project to your art resume.
The Brooklyn Art Library hosts a physical library space that is free and open to the public, and has a digital library accessible worldwide, making the collection accessible to people of all ages and skill levels through robust education programming. For more info and to see examples of sketchbooks in their digital library: https://www.sketchbookproject.com/ A video of instructor, Meryl Ann’s first Brooklyn Art Library Sketchbook is forthcoming. To explore thematic sketchbooks:
Bright Shiny Mind by Anne-Sophie Dumetz : https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library/4988
Happy Thoughts by Edita Rojas: https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library/160
An Artsy Jumble of Nature, Nurture, and Humor by Sally LaCross: https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library/S54546
Happy Thoughts by Jo Moran: https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library/33
Happy Thoughts by Leena Bagawde: https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library/365