
The Center for Sacred Art is an independent arts organization based in Seattle since 1997. We develop, produce, and present quality programming and content that illumines and celebrates the intersection of contemporary spirituality and the sacred arts. Our activities include educational events, public programs, research, and publications that are grounded in a historical understanding of sacred art. Our programs are known for their depth, beauty, and richness of content.
Buddha Mind, Christ Consciousness: An Afternoon of Chant
Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 1pm to 4pm
Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church (in the Chrysalis Hall) in Shoreline, WA
Chant led by Joseph Anderson
Join us for a heartful afternoon of singing Buddhist and
Christian chant from contemplative and devotional traditions. Between
the chant will be time for prayer, meditation, and brief reflection on
Christ in the Light of Buddha. We will be singing chants from
various Buddhist and Christian traditions (Gregorian chant, Taize, Zen,
Tibetan, toning, and more). Comfortable chairs are available,
but if you’d prefer to sit
on the floor please bring your own cushion. Click
here to see the complete event
announcement.
Pre-registration is not required, but we request you RSVP via our
event announcement, so that we can have an accurate headcount
and
arrange the
space appropriately. A $15 donation given at the event is
suggested to help cover expenses.
Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm
Skinner Auditorium, in the St. Nicholas Building of Saint Mark's Cathedral in Seattle, WA (Located directly north of the cathedral.)
A workshop led by Victoria
Scarlett
Are you curious about icons? Do you wonder about the ways they're used and how they fit into Christian life and theology? If you've felt drawn to the beauty and contemplative qualities of icons but know little about them, this workshop is for you.
Learn and experience for yourself the visual language (image, symbolism and meaning) of icons, and how they offer transcendent depictions of sacred reality. Find out how icons are used in traditional devotional practices of Eastern Orthodox churches and homes. Discover the new directions of contemporary icons are taking. See how you and your spiritual community can integrate icons into your spiritual life. The class will include instruction in a visual meditation technique useful for contemplating icons and other kinds of sacred images. Also included is an abundance of ideas of where and how to find icons to make your own..
For more details, see the event web page at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/101601
To pay for registration via Brown Paper Tickets, click here. Or you can pay by phone by calling 1-800-838-3006.
The Art and Beauty of Mary’s Garden

Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 9:45 am to 3: 30 pm
At the woodland Priory Spirituality Center in Lacey, WA
A workshop led by Victoria
Scarlett
Join us for a day of inspiration, exploring the world of Mary’s
garden—a sacred space of spiritual
integration, illumination, and mystical marriage. We will learn about
the enclosed garden’s metaphoric, symbolic, and spiritual dimensions,
and see how it was represented in beautiful late medieval
and renaissance art.
Scripture, poetry, music, and prayer will be our guides as we uncover
the development of the sacred garden. You will be introduced to the
individual plants and flowers that represent Mary’s virtues, including
the mystic rose. The day will include a look
at medieval garden design as well as contemporary Mary gardens. There
will be
practical suggestions on how to plant and nurture a contemplative Mary
garden
of your own. Please bring a flower for the altar in honor of the Virgin
Mary.
Advance registration through the Priory Spirituality Center is
required. Call 360-438-2595
Summer 2010 Gregorian Chant Retreat: Honoring Sacred Visions of the Madonna
Friday, July 16th - Sunday, July 18th, 2010
St. Andrew's House Retreat and Conference Center in Union, WA (on Hood Canal)A weekend retreat led by Joseph Anderson that recreates the chanted experience of monastic time.
We'll gather in a beautiful private woodland chapel
overlooking Hood Canal and the
Olympic Mountains to sing the monastic Divine Office
(eleven services in all). From Vespers and Compline on Friday evening
to Sext (noon prayer) on Sunday we'll immerse ourselves in prayer,
contemplation, and sacred time. We will be singing Gregorian chant and
pilgrim songs honoring Sacred Visions of the Madonna--encounters
experienced by people throughout history and around the world --with
Mary and her message of encouragement to love,
prayer, and coming into right action with the divine.
Previous chant or singing experience is
helpful but not necessary. In between our chanted prayer
services there are teaching
sessions where you learn new chants and explore their
deeper spiritual meanings in a welcoming multifaith context.
The weekend will include a presentation by CSA
Director Victoria Scarlett on the
appreciation of
sacred visual art. The retreat also includes time for silent
reflection and walks in nature.
Advance registration through the Center for Sacred Art is required.
Buddhist and Christian Chant
Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 9:45 am to 3:30 pm
At the woodland Priory Spirituality Center in Lacey, WA
A workshop led by Joseph Anderson
Experience the resonances between the Buddhist and Christian traditions through chant. We will sing sacred texts using Gregorian, Taize, Orthodox, and several Asian chant styles, and reflect on the wisdom and guidance toward liberation offered by Jesus and Buddha.
Advance registration through the Priory Spirituality Center is required. Call 360-438-2595