Welcome

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.

Our approach is holistic and multifaith, as we explore the heart, mind and spirit of the world's sacred art traditions. We open doors to beauty and wisdom by providing understanding and contemplative experiences of chant, visual art, and sacred space.  (For more, see this article)

We offer a varied selection of programming through talks, residential and day retreats, concerts, and workshops. (See our upcoming and past events.)

We seek to reclaim the practices and traditions of sacred art as a tool for supporting connection, spiritual growth, and healing. We are interested in re-establishing the traditional connection between sacred art and inner work (prayer and meditation, visualization, and other forms of spiritual practice).

We believe sacred art is a uniquely effective vehicle for identifying resonances among religious and spiritual traditions throughout the world. The Center seeks to identify commonalties that lead to an integrative understanding of humanity and world sacred art.

What's Happening

Summer 2010 Gregorian Chant Retreat:  Honoring Sacred Visions of the Madonna 

Friday, July 16th - Sunday, July 18th, 2010

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.

• (forthcoming) Summer 2010 flier (PDF)
• Summer 2010 registration form (PDF)
• Summer 2010 tentative schedule (PDF)
• Experiences of  past participants
• St. Andrew's House (with photos), site of the Gregorian Chant retreats.
• Map and directions to St. Andrew's House (with link to Washington State Ferries schedule)

The Art and Beauty of Mary’s Garden

Saturday, July 24, 2010 from 9:30 am to 3: 30 pm

We'll be meeting in the intimate setting of the Library of  Epiphany Parish in the Madrona district of Seattle, WA.

A workshop led by Victoria Scarlett

• you’re a visual person who is interested in nature, fine art, and would enjoy seeing an abundance of beautiful slides. 

• you’re searching for ways to practice an embodied spirituality. 
• you’re attracted to the Virgin Mary and reclaiming sacred tradition but don’t want to join a church.
• you’re comfortable with metaphor and are interested in a creative and empowering approach to the Sacred Garden and the Mary Within.
• you’re part of a church community and want to go deeper. 

Mary's Enclosed Garden is a sacred space of spiritual integration, illumination, and mystical marriage. We will see how it was represented in beautiful late medieval and renaissance art, andcontemplate its symbolic and spiritual dimensions.  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 the contemporary revival of planted Mary gardens. There will be practical suggestions on how you or your group can plant and nurture a contemplative Mary garden of your own. Please a sack lunch, along with a flower for the altar in honor of the Virgin Mary.

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.