MANDALA PEACE ARTS EXHIBITION & WORKSHOPS
1-30 June 2016
Queenscliff Neighbourhood House Gallery
A free Mandala
Peace Arts Exhibition was held over the month of June at Queenscliff
Neighbourhood House Gallery with an official Exhibition Opening evening. Three
workshops were also held during that time: see some photos below or FB.
This was a major
exhibition with 37 large individual entries.
Some mandalas were created using various techniques and mediums, eg
textile, doodle and digital format; illustrating creative expansion. There were
also many smaller mandalas grouped and hung together and mandala albums incorporating
mandalas of Shishin (New Year Guidance).
The main gallery
room plus the corridor of the Neighbourhood House was adorned with bright,
colourful mandalas exuding loving, beautiful, peaceful energy. The space was also adorned with painted
stones of bright words, decorated bright boxes, hand sewn banners, mandala kits
for sale and a communal mandala for the public to write on; a delight of colour
and beauty.
The mandalas
showcased the themes of peace and love; opening people’s eyes and minds to
expansive thinking, compassion, generosity of spirit, wonder and
self-reflection. It didn’t seem to
matter how much written information about mandalas was available to read, people
still didn’t realize they were formed by the written word until it was
specifically pointed out to them. And
then they had to see it through a magnifying glass! Initially, the common response was of
disbelief, leading to amazement and then leaving them gob-smacked! (I must admit, I did get pleasure from seeing
their responses.)
Many left
positive and glowing feedback in the Visitors Book. A few examples; “truly inspiring”, “so impressed with the
craftsmanship”, “absolutely beautiful,
so much peace”, “a glorious exhibition of love & tranquility”, “a gentle & positive art, it feels like
‘strengthening’ art”, “must be relaxing in this speedy world”.
The
Neighbourhood House is normally open during the week and closed on
weekends. The local Byakko members
generously gave of their time to open up each weekend for the whole month. This proved a wise decision as we had many
visitors coming through, over 160. The
QNH is situated at the end of parkland and on the foreshore of the beach, so
many walkers and day trippers would “happen” to walk past, see the signs and
come in out of curiosity. Only a few
came in response to advertising and some from recommendations. Of course many
more would have seen the exhibition during the week days when they came to the
QNH for their regular courses, meetings and classes.
The workshops
were very successful. Two adult workshops were offered and as the school
holidays began in this month, a children’s one was also offered. The children’s
one was split into two groups, one of young children and one of teens.
People are
genuinely interested in the concept of positive thoughts and words and how they
affect the elements, the body and those around them. I thank Dr Emoto and his
research on water every time I run a workshop as the photos illustrate
succinctly this principle and as they say “a picture speaks a thousand
words”. This knowledge excites people
and opens up their way of thinking. They
leave with much to ponder.
Overall the
exhibition and workshops were a great success and a very satisfying venture. A
lot of time, work and effort were given by many, for which I send my
appreciation. Most of our costs (except for the printing) were recouped by the
sale of mandala kits and workshop charges.
The success is
gauged not so much in numbers (although we had good numbers) but by the
responses of those who visited. It was a
joy to showcase this art form and concept, opening up another dimension for
people to touch and connect with humanity.
Report by Silvana Benacchio
