A Sacred Circle of Rhythm

With Vonda Drees

July 9 - 14, 2023

Location: Grunewald Guild Painting Studio

What will class time be like?: In our time together we will explore the techniques of symmetrical and asymmetrical mandala design, the golden ratio, and the Flower of Life. Each morning we’ll begin in the studio with a teaching demonstration, followed by time to practice the pattern. The bigger part of our morning will involve a prompt to contemplate with a wander on campus, then a return to the studio to incorporate your reflection in your geometric composition.

Will I need to work outside of class?: No, all projects can be completed within the allotted class time.

What can I expect to create?: Participants may complete several small to medium sized mandalas, including the following sizes: four to eight postcard size, and three to four 9″x12″ images. The inspiration for the mandala paintings will be drawn from your inner voice, from the Guilid's natural surroundings, and, of course, from the wilds of your imagination! The daily themes for the creations will be an ancestry mandala, a flower of life mandala, a nature/botanical mandala, and a golden ratio design.

Do I need experience to take this class?: All experience levels welcome, including beginners.

What do I need to bring to class?: All materials will be provided. If you would like to include the names of your ancestors in your ancestor mandala, feel free to bring them.

Minimum age of participants: 16

required deposit: $200

  • Commuter – $100.00
  • Cabin – $980.00
  • Shared Room + Shared Bath – $505.00
  • Yurt – $605.00
  • Library Dorm – $380.00
  • RV with Electric: 125V/30 Amp – $380.00
  • RV with Electric: 25V/20 Amp – $380.00
  • Personal Tent or Car Camping – $330.00
  • Hilltop House King Private Room + Private Bath – $930.00
  • Hilltop House Queen Private Room + Shared Bath – $880.00
  • Hilltop Private Room (Full + Two Twins) + Shared Bath – $830.00
  • Private Queen Room + Shared Bath – $780.00
  • Private Twin Room + Shared Bath – $780.00

“…that which sings and contemplates in you is still dwelling within the bounds of that first moment which scattered the stars into space.” -Khalil Gibran

In this offering, we will practice listening and responding to that inner voice through the art form of mandala and the medium of watercolor. Step-by-step processes will render beautifully harmonious patterns. It is in decorating the patterns that creativity, curiosity, and conversation will come into play.

Mandalas are sacred circles, visual representations of belonging. An intentional invitation during this creative practice will be to partner breathing with mark making, inhales, and exhales emerging as shapes and colors on the page. In the pauses, questions may arise:

What am I being called to next?
How do seemingly diverse aspects connect in this work?
What is trying to be revealed to and through me?

When we follow the compasses of our hearts, moments of wholeness and presence will open us to our unique creative rhythms.

About the Faculty

Vonda Drees

Vonda Drees is a visual artist whose love for the questions in life fuels her creative practice. She added a studio partner in November 2024, a curious and playful black lab named Ren. When not in the studio, the two are likely out frolicking in the natural beauty of the Driftless Region in Wisconsin. Vonda and her husband Jim served […]

Learn more about Vonda Drees

Categories : , ,