Watch Me Backflip Art and Meditation Workshop

You are invited to an evening of connection and using artmaking as a tool of self-understanding and compassion. Picking up themes from mixed media artist Kelly Kozma’s acclaimed solo exhibition Watch Me Backflip, we will get an inside experience of the artist’s process and explore our own creative intuition through guided meditation led by mindfulness teacher Gloria Shepard.

Doors Open at 6:30 PM

7:00 PM– Attendees arrive at the gallery and have 30 min to explore the gallery floors and to hear directly from the artist, Kelly Kozma, about her solo exhibition and massive installation.

7:30 PM – Attendees gather on the first floor for brief introductions and a Centering Meditation led by Gloria Shepard.

During the workshop we will:

Share:

Attendees will bring a photo or piece of ephemera representing a time of joy or comfort. We will connect with ourselves and each other by sharing about what we’ve brought, and then sit with Kelly’s question– “What if I told you I believe in you?”

Create:

Using punched paper circles, provided by Kelly, and a 12” wood circle panel, we will play with colors and patterns, contemplating the questions, “What if I told you I believe in you? What would you make, create, put out into the world?” Inspired by Kelly’s process, questions, by what bubbles up in us as we connect with the art around us, and by the inner creativity arising within us, we will each create our own temporary mandala-like piece on the panel. Afterwards, we will share panels over tea and snacks with the opportunity to take pictures and connect with each other.

We will close the evening with another meditation led by Gloria, then clear our temporary creations and take our panels and chosen punched circles home. These can be an ongoing tool, reminding us that someone believes in us, that we are connected through our shared experience at the event, and to play just for the sake of play!

Some pillows and seating will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring a yoga mat or something of their choosing to sit on. Dress comfy in what makes you feel good!

Space is limited. RSVP with tickets in advance. A wellness practice suited for all. No former meditation experience required.

ABOUT GLORIA SHEPARD
As an educator (by nature, training, and experience), Gloria’s work is to reveal and shift invisible patterns that block the path between where you are and where you want to be. Over the years, this has taken many forms, and those are layered into who Gloria is and how she works. Ecology, experiential education, classroom teaching, mindfulness, meditation, emotional education and support, parenting, transformative work, shadow work, astrology, and family constellations are some of the layers. Formal training, studying with teachers and mentors, books, talks, and retreats have given her a path. Many years of actually walking the path, practicing and integrating the teachings through direct experience and trial and error, have brought the teachings to life.

ABOUT KELLY KOZMA
Kelly Kozma is a mixed-media and fiber artist who uses the meditative process of hand embroidery as a therapeutic way of healing. Kozma is represented by Paradigm Gallery + Studio and has participated in group and solo exhibitions in Philadelphia, as well as in art fairs during Armory Week and Art Basel in Miami. Her work has been featured on catalog covers, in international art and travel magazines such as Afar & Create Magazine, as well as many online publications. Her work has been purchased for many permanent collections, including Temple University and Capital One. She has a detached studio at her home just outside of Philadelphia and enjoys the fact that her young son can create his own masterpieces alongside her while she works.