MANDALA PEACE ARTS EXHIBITION & WORKSHOPS

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