During the months of September, October and November 2009, Betsy Lewis Art Event Productions is assembling Rogue Valley visual artists, poets and experts in the field to take part in a fall series of art events exploring the "Dark Night of the Soul" and its role in healing and transforming human lives.
"The Dark Night of the Soul" was coined by the 16th-century Christian mystic, St. John of the Cross, who used it to describe spiritual crises. Now it has come to describe psychological ones as well which - once live through - can lead to better health and well-being.
A fine art show "The Gifts of the Dark Night" will kick off the art series at Talent Art Gallery located at 108 S. Market St. in Talent, Oregon, October 1 through October 31, 2009; the opening reception will be held October 3 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Among the contributing artists will be Ron Hadath, Jim Thompson, Janet London and Betsy Lewis. Marla Estes, M.A. Transpersonal Studies, will present a lecture followed by a question and answer period entitled, "Embracing the Dark Night of the Soul" at Talent Art Gallery, October 3 at 6:30 p.m., as part of the opening of the fine art show, and on October 9, a poetry reading presented by the Rogue Valley Chapter of the Oregon State Poetry Associaton will be held at Talent Art Gallery from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Featured poets are: Amy MacLennon, Amy Miller, Jay Schroder, Liz Vesecky and Gaea Yudron. Visit the Talent Art Gallery website at: www.talentartgallery.com
"The Dark Night of the Soul Mail Art Show" will be held at MAda Shell Art Gallery, on the Plaza at 27 1/2 E. Main St. in Ashland, Oregon Fridays, September 25th through October 23rd, 2009. There will be an opening reception during "Last Friday" on September 29th and "First Friday", October 2, from 5:30 - 9:00 pm. http://madashellgallery.blogspot.com
"Movies That Move You", a film presentation and discussion exploring being stranded on a desert island as a metaphor for the Dark Night will be facilitated by Marla Estes M.A, and will take place at Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library in Ashland, 258 A. Street, UPSTAIRS, Suite 7, on October 7th, 2009, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Using art, writing and supportive sharing to explore and heal, Janet London, M. Ed.and Betsy Lewis will offer a day long workshop entitled "Healing in a Starry Starry Night" on November 7th, 2009 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm at The Unitarian Universalist Center, 87 4th St. Ashland Oregon.
Marla Estes is an Ashland writer, teacher, mentor and workshop facilitator. Her focus is psychological, especially through a Jungian lens, looking at topics such as women's themes, gender relations, shadow, emotions, relationships of all kinds, individuation and inner work. Her approach is enthusiastic and inspired, with an attitude of exploration, inviting participants to come up with their own answers. Visit her website at www.marlaestes.com
Janet London has an M.Ed. in counseling from Antioch University. She taught human development and psychology classes in community colleges and has counseled for more than 20 years. Thirteen years ago Janet experienced a deep depresion and found that art and creativity were essential parts of her healing. Since then she has been offering Artist Way and Mandala Art classes to help others develop their creativity and self-awareness. Visit her website at: www.tamlondonhummingbirdarts.
Betsy Lewis is an artist, poet and businesswoman with a background in health education and community organizing. Wishing to combine the spirit of altruism, activism and an enthusiasm for art and its healing properties, she launched her business, Art Event Productions LLC, and is providing her Rogue Valley clients with individualized art marketing services, representation, and art events designed to foster their artistic growth and sales by increasing their visibility. Visit her website at: www.arteventproductions.com
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