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.
A workshop led by Victoria Scarlett and Joseph Anderson exploring Merton's relationship with traditional sacred art forms (monastic chant and icons), as well as his own creations in poetry, photography, drawing, and brush painting. We'll look at how his art reflects his spirituality, contemplative vision, and aesthetic sensitivity. Advance registration through the Priory Spirituality Center is required. Call 360-438-2595.
A workshop led by Victoria Scarlett exploring how we can reclaim archetypes of
compassion as we seek to live a more compassionate life, and how sacred imagery can be
drawn upon for the
spiritual practices of visualizations and embodied prayer. This multifaith workshop,
through an
exploration of sacred art, will present gestures of compassion that can
be
understood and practiced by all age groups.
We will look a various beautiful fine art representations
of Guanyin (the
Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion) and the Virgin Mary, and will
explore how their
imagery--specifically their gestures and postures--reveal various
aspects of
compassion.
A day of retreat and chanting the divine office in a beautiful tranquil setting on Puget Sound, led by Joseph Anderson. Some chant experience helpful but not required. We will chant Lauds, Terce, Sext, None, and Vespers, with free time in between for silent reflection and enjoying the woodland beauties of the campus. Advance registration through the Center for Sacred Art is required.
Day of Chant registration formA workshop led by Victoria Scarlett, exploring the world of Mary's garden--a sacred space of spiritual integration, illumination, and mystical marriage. We'll 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'll be introduced to the individual plants and flowers that represent Mary's virtues, along with the symbolism of the mystic rose, rose garden, and rosary. 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. Register through Rosary Heights by calling 206-542-3740.
Mary's Garden flier (PDF file)A weekend retreat led by Joseph Anderson that
recreates the chanted experience of monastic time. We gather in a
beautiful private woodland chapel to sing the monastic Divine Office
(eleven services in all). From Vespers and Compline on Friday evening
to Sext (noon prayer) on Sunday we immerse ourselves in prayer,
contemplation, and sacred time. In between our chanted prayers there
are teaching sessions where you learn new chants and explore their
deeper spiritual meanings in a welcoming multifaith context. You'll
also have opportunities for silent reflection and walks in nature.
Previous chant or singing experience is helpful but not necessary. Each
retreat includes both chant focused on a particular topic, along with
related art images for meditation and discussion. This winter we will
be reflecting on music and images related to the Annunciation.
Advance registration through the Center
for Sacred Art is required.
A weekend residential retreat exploring chanting the Psalms in a variety of translations and ways--from Western-style Gregorian chant and Eastern Orthodox chant, to Protestant metrical settings, to Taize-style chants. We will also explore improvised melodies and chant styles influenced by global chant traditions. Singing experience is helpful but by no means necessary. As part of the weekend you'll have the opportunity to explore Psalm texts through simple but creative mandala calligraphy projects. Enjoy the beautiful campus of the Grunewald Guild, dedicated to art and faith for over 25 years. It's located amidst sweet smelling ponderosa pine next to the Wenatchee River, 14 miles north of Leavenworth, WA. Register through the Grunewald Guild.
Scheduled for St. Francis' feast day: an art talk by Victoria Scarlett exploring the evolving image of St. Francis of Assisi. Gregorian chant and devotional music honoring the saint, sung by the Cathedral's Artists-in-Residence, the Peregrine Medieval Vocal Ensemble, will also be a part of the program. More details to follow!
A non-residential day retreat chanting the Hours of Prayer, led by Joseph Anderson. Immerse yourself in singing the hours as they were practiced by medieval monastics, enjoy the tranquility of Rosary Heights, and meet fellow chanters! After a short orientation to the music, the day will consist of five periods of sung prayer (in Latin and English) and plenty of free time for resting, reading, quiet conversation, walks, meditative art projects, and an opportunity to learn a bit more about chant. Advance registration is required. Register through the Center for Sacred Art.
A series of classes exploring how monastics and laity of the past have observed the divine "hours"--the eight traditional periods of prayer from Matins before daybreak--to the end of day with Vespers and Compline. You'll learn how to sing a Vespers service using Gregorian Chant, and you'll see slides of beautiful late medieval illuminated Books of Hours (personalized illustrated prayerbooks that enabled devout lay people to observe the divine office and mimic monastic prayer). Register through St. Andrew's Parish.
