Press Release: Mandala workshop introduces visual meditation

03.20.2017

In conjunction with the upcoming exhibition “Images of Awakening: Buddhist Sculpture from Afghanistan and Pakistan” (on view March 24–June 17) the Georgia Museum of Art will host a mindfulness workshop with Debra Alvis, on Thursday, April 5, at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. The workshop is free (and funded in part by the Hemera Foundation), but space is limited; call 706.542.8863 or email sagekincaid@uga.edu to reserve a spot.

“Awakening the Divine: A Mandala Workshop,” will focus on the effect that mandalas, or sacred circles, have on achieving inner clarity. This unique workshop will include a history of mandalas, time with ancient and early medieval Buddhist art and a chance for participants to create their own mandala to serve as a piece of visual meditation. Alvis will introduce contemplative practices including gentle movement to facilitate a connection with inner wisdom and divinity.

“Images of Awakening,” organized by Nicolas Morrissey, associate professor of art history, Lamar Dodd School of Art, highlights the Buddhist artistic heritage of ancient Gandhara. Located in present-day northern Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandhara produced one of the most distinctive schools of ancient and early medieval Buddhist art.

Dr. Alvis is a licensed psychologist, therapeutic yoga educator and mindfulness teacher. Her workshops, trainings and retreats integrate contemplative practices and the expressive arts. Alvis currently serves as faculty in the University of Georgia’s Division of Academic Enhancement.

Spenser Thompson

Michael Lachowski