Made-In-Studio: Mandala Magic

Mandalas seem to be everywhere — coloring book pages, yoga studio cushions, stamped on tea bags, inked on forearms. Long before mandalas got trendy, cultures across time and space fashioned these complex, radiating geometric forms into potent sacred objects. With their patterns echoing elemental, universal forms from shells to star systems, mandalas were central to spiritual ceremonies and meditation.

In this restorative workshop, you’ll experiment with several mandala-making practices, infusing timeless, sacred artistry with a jaunty, fresh take. As you play with the shapes, patterns, and visual balance, mandala magic will ripple open: your breathing slows, your body relaxes, your center settles. With concentric circles that focus your attention, you’ll be invited to cultivate a personal intention, perhaps towards greater joyfulness or calm, maybe more purpose and meaning.

Your guide will be Riverworks Associate Artist Suzanne Wright, who specializes in creativity-wellbeing approaches. She will lead you through three mandala-making journeys designed to move you from playful exploration to relaxation and personal meaning.

*You’ll assemble an “everyday mandala,” turning junk drawer clutter – paper clips, Post-it notes, bottle caps – into radiating order, a mindfulness reset you can turn to anywhere, from desktop to poolside.

*With natural materials gathered from the grounds at Riverworks, you’ll form an “earth mandala” of twigs, leaves, and petals, noticing their innate geometric beauty as you make your arrangement before releasing them back into the elements.

*You’ll create a personal “mandala talisman,” alive with artful energy and imbued with your symbolism and meaning.

All supplies provided. No art experience required.