| Spirituality and Arts Workshops “Spirituality concerns an ancient and primal search for meaning that is as old as humanity itself and, ...belongs--as an inherent energy—to the evolutionary unfolding of creation itself.” Diarmuid O’Murchu Combine Workshops in Art and Ritual: Mask-Making, Shrine-Making, Tapate (Brazilian Sawdust Carpet), Mandala, Altered Books, Prayer Beads, Writing, Creative Movement and Drama Goddess and Women’s Spirituality Creating Group Ritual for any Event Combined with art form Will work with Intergenerational groups, with specific age or interest groups, or individually. Our spirituality, the essence of who we are, is deeply connected with our creativity, the expression of that essence into the world. I see these connections as the inner and outer, the yin and yang, the being and doing of life. The passion I find in my creative work opens me up to a greater reality, a presence whole and holy, that gives me a glimpse of divinity, and what that can mean in the world. I see my work as a ministry of empowering others to find their spirit and express it openly in their lives, to guide them to an awareness of their own deep core. Giving adults, youth, and children permission to take their spirit life seriously as a foundation for their active life is important, along with creating worship or ritual that gives them a touchstone for their spiritual experiences. Giving them permission to play is equally important, allowing them to rediscover the creativity of their childhood. Creativity may then be expressed through the arts, through relationship, through an attitude of self-caring and a generosity of spirit. As Charles Simic says in his book about the work of Joseph Cornell: “Making art in America is about saving one’s soul.” Nita Penfold, D. Min Endorsements for Nita Penfold's Workshops “Writing from the Soul not only plugged right into the muse for me but took me deeper into a more reflective place. I am still feeling the effects of that on my writing and imagine I will for a long time to come. I have found myself returning mentally to that place at times during my day and I am still uncovering layers of inspiration and depth in my approach to writing that were seeded by Nita’s workshop and even more by her influence. I have taken many writing classes and workshops. Some have been helpful, others almost harmful, Nita’s was truly a gift in that it lifted me to a higher place, took me to the next level in a way.” Janine Torsiello, newspaper editor, NJ “I've taken numerous workshops all over the country, and Nita's was among the very best. She creates a spiritual, supportive environment in which students of a wide range of experience can participate fully, producing work that they are able to share with others in the class.” Ellie Mamber, Newton, MA “Nita is one of those rare individuals who can not only write wonderfully, but also teach and inspire. Thanks to her I can say ‘I am a writer!’” Stephanie Wells, Peterborough, NH “It felt as though we entered a sacred space each morning. In the accepting and inspiring setting Nita created, we learned to examine the ordinary in a deeper way.” Cynthia Wright Swaine, Norfolk, VA “Nita Penfold relaxes your inner critic and pushes you to find your true inner voice.” Paul Bennett, Brooklyn, NY Create a Shrine Human beings have been celebrating and honoring their idea of the Divine Mystery for thousands of years. In addition, more contemporary shrines honor ancestors, or qualities we seek such as peace or justice, or images of the goddess. Come and make a simple shrine from unlikely materials such as CD cases or cardboard templates, rubber stamps, tissue paper, and paint. All materials provided, but bring any special images you want to incorporate into your shrine. 1 to 4 pm. $60 Women’s Spirituality Workshops Explore women’s spirituality through the arts, discussion, and ritual. Topics will include spirituality and identity, roles and self-esteem, goddess mythology, and reclaiming our bodies. We will dance, make collages and shrines, and write our way into an understanding of our unique spirituality. Make Your Own Prayer Beads Prayer beads have been used for thousands of years in many spiritual traditions for focusing attention and energy on a connection with something greater than ourselves. Assembling your own set of prayer beads is a prayer in itself; you can set an intention, make a general wish, or use specific beads for specific prayers. Examples of prayer beads made: breast cancer beads, family beads, celebration beads for a special occasion. Wear them as a necklace or shawl piece, or hang them in your home. Bring some pendants or symbols you wish to add to the beads, such as a flaming chalice, goddess, or celtic cross. You can also add any old necklaces whose beads or pendant you love, but don’t wear. Gift your spirit with the chance to play, create, and renew. All levels of ability welcome, teen to adult. Workshops can be combined to accommodate time available. SpiritArts Collage Workshop Playing with magazine images, rubber stamps, paint and more, create at least one collage that speaks to your spirit, helping you to find sustenance in the creative act. A fun morning of art making. All materials provided; bring any images you would like to add. SpiritArts Altered Book Day Take an old book and create it anew pouring yourself and your spirit into it. Use paint, rubber stamps, special papers, transfer techniques, niches, and beads to transform the pages into a personal work of art. Bring any images, special quotes, beads, charms, fibers, etc. that you wish to include plus an old book although there will be enough materials provided—including a number of old books to choose from. Writing From the Soul Each creative act transforms us by opening us up to a new way of looking at the world and the spirit. This workshop will help you to reach deeply into your soul and practice language as a transformative medium. Pray by diving into the spirit and playing with words using images, wordbowl cards, body prayer, and writing from the famous and not so famous. All levels of writing experience will be engaged. Worship Services: Interactive and participatory worship with the possibility of body prayer, dance, writing, singing, and art. Celebrate the spirit of the divine in the human! Come alive with creativity in worship. Email for current workshop fees. nitapenfold@aol.com Gift your spirit with the chance to play, create, and renew. All levels of ability welcome, teen to adult. |
Spirit Arts
Tree of Life Tapate
