A hands-on workshop with Pat Otto

Be guided through a brief meditative relaxation and invocation, and let spontaneous imagery come forth that is right for you now, as you begin you own unique creative act of mandala-making.

Using white prismacolor pencils to illuminate the rich blackness of the drawing paper, participants will learn how to create their own personal mandala that radiates a sense of light and energy. 

In this workshop, participants will increase their ability to use art in a contemplative manner, to access spontaneous imagery and to enhance insight.  No previous drawing experience is necessary and all art materials will be provided. 

 Pat Otto, one of the artists represented in the Sacred Geometry: Art of the Mandala show at Life Force Arts Center (Feb. 19 - Mar. 31), also works as an art teacher and art therapist. She says, "My artwork comes from images and urges of psyche that I notice and let surface. They merge with everyday life experiences, and I bring them into form through working with physical materials, such as wood, wax, paint and canvas. I enjoy facilitating art experiences for others to creatively express themselves in a way that is deeply intuitive and insightful.  I have found, in my own work and in working with others, that using the mandala in its most basic form, a circle with a center, creates a safe and sacred space for expression.  As Carl Jung said, mandalas are a symbol for the Self seeking wholeness, and are a vehicle for healing. Often, people are found to spontaneously express images within a circle framework at chaotic times in their lives."

Patricia Otto has exhibited worldwide for three decades and has artwork in the Collection of the National Museum of Women in the Arts Archive in Washington, D.C. She was a member of ARC Gallery from 1996 to 2009, and president from 2006 to 2009.  With a master’s degree in fine arts and another in art therapy, Pat rounds out her artistic career by teaching painting and drawing courses at Truman College and by providing clinical art therapy services in private practice, specializing in women and the creative process. Visit Pat Otto’s website for more info www.patottoart.com

 See Pat's Mandala-a-Day for 2010 project