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

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

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

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)

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.