As The Scavenger’s installation came to a close on Jan 10 twenty-five artists and friends gathered for an extraordinary Art & Soul Circle to reflect on the theme of layers—within art, our lives, and our souls. Inspired by the art in the room and Stanley Kunitz’s transformative poem, The Layers, we entered a sacred space of vulnerability and connection. From the very first line of the poem, “I have walked through many lives, some of them my own…”, the room resonated with shared understanding. Each participant brought a unique perspective, shaped by diverse experiences and generations, yet we discovered common threads in our personal stories. Another thread that inspired was Kunitz’s encouragement to “Live in the layers, not on the litter.”
Guided by questions like “What layers of experience, belief, or emotion have shaped who you are today?” and “What might be possible if we begin to peel back the layers we carry?”, we dove into profound dialogue. The evening’s honesty and courage reminded us of the power of gathering in a circle to listen deeply and speak from the heart.
As we engaged with the art, its layers of material and meaning became metaphors for the layers in our own lives. We explored what lies hidden beneath the surface and considered the potential for transformation when we uncover those layers. By the end of the night, the room felt alive with connection and a renewed sense of purpose.
We closed with gratitude, reflecting on the evening’s gifts: a community willing to embrace vulnerability, art that speaks to the soul, and the courage to uncover new layers of ourselves.
If you missed this circle, we hope you’ll join us next time. These gatherings remind us that in sharing stories, uncovering layers, and creating together, we are never alone.
The next Art & Soul Circle awaits—join the journey of creativity, connection, and transformation! Come see what layers of beauty and meaning it may reveal for you.
Here are the next few Art and Soul events (See details here on the Sanctuary Calendar).
- Board Games & Brews; Sat, Jan 25, 6:00 – 9:00 pm @ Hillside
- Faith and Film: Exhibiting Forgiveness; Fri, Jan 31, 6:30–9:30 pm @ Hillside
- Open Mic for All; Sat, Feb 22, 7:00 – 9:00 pm @ Hillside
- Art & Soul Circle: The Threads that Tie Us; Fri, Mar 07, 6:30–8:30 pm @ ACM
Suggested Donation: $10-20 to support program costs.