Join Lehigh Valley visual artist Stephanie Smith as she guides workshop participants through simple rhythmic drawing techniques to create a mandala - a circular art form which can be a powerful tool for meditation and creative self expression.
Self-taught and often referred to as “fearless” by her peers for her bold artistic expressions across multiple media forms, Stephanie’s ultimate goal is to encourage creativity without fear of judgment. Through the use of motivational storytelling, Stephanie will empower and inspire those to wishing to bring art into their lives via an immediately accessible technique regardless of prior art experience.
In “Mandala: An Artful Meditation” you will learn:
• How to set a safe space to create
• Stephanie’s mandala method
• Benefits of creating with intention
• Creating art without self-judgment
• Using mandalas in your journaling
• Making mandalas with found objects
• Choosing the right art supplies for you & your budget.
• What to do when wish to improve the overall quality of your creations.
Individuals looking for private sessions, (in person or by phone) small groups, (2-15 people) or large groups, (15+) please contact Stephanie for pricing and availability for booking a workshop. Call 484-893-0336 or e-mail stephanie@biffybeans.com.
2012 Scheduled Events:
- August 2nd-5th 2012 Loretto, PA 2012 Summer Rhythm Renewal (Faculty Member)
- February 18th 2012 Allentown, PA Mandala Workshop at The Baum School of Art
- November 2011 Mandala Workshop Presented to the Intro to Art Therapy class at Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA
- 2009-2011 Summer Rhythm Renewal in Loretto, PA (Faculty Member)
- September 3rd-5th The 2010 Great Rhythm Revival, Sherman, NY (Faculty Member)
- 2010 Circle of Trees Womens Retreat in Milford, PA (Faculty Member)
- 2010 Blue Stone Yoga Bethlehem, PA
- 2009 Chestnut Hill Church, Coopersburg, PA
02/10 Private mandala workshop for woman's group.
“Two years ago I took a meditative mandala drawing working shop with Stephanie Smith, and my life changed. I learned to use mandala drawing as a fun and relaxing meditation activity, since I had great difficulty quieting my mind in a traditional meditative way. Not only did I enjoy this new creative activity but it open up new doors to how I see the art of mandalas, whether created or existing in nature.” – Heather Rodale 2011
"Stephanie is a bold and fearless artist who creates beautiful works of art! She is also a wonderful teacher, and I have had the privilege to take her mandala workshop several times. Each time, she has lead me to a place where I feel comfortable to express what is deep inside … the place where I am no longer “thinking”, but simply creating. It is such a freeing experience! Thank you Stephanie for being such an inspiring guide!" - Jaqui MacMillan, Drum For Joy!, Westminster, MD 2011 Rhythm Renewal
"Cathartic. Inspirational. Uplifting. These are all words to describe Stephanie Smith's mandala workshop. Not only did her class facilitate an emotional release for me, but it helped me remember the simple childhood joy of putting crayon to paper. Thanks to her, my son and I are now drawing together almost every day. Stephanie makes everyone feel like an artist, and she may just help you transform your life in the process. I am grateful to her for her help and guidance, and would highly recommend her class." - Kim Cooper 2011 Rhythm Renewal
"I had the pleasure of attending Stephanie's mandala workshop during Jim Donovan's Summer Rhythm Renewal this past July. I had been looking forward to this workshop, and Stephanie did not disappoint. She had a most creative way to allow us to find the creativity within and let go of control. Having a "Type A" personality, and wanting very much to be in control of my art, made this quite challenging. That was a good thing, and Stephanie guided in a way for me to be imaginative and find inspiration for my mandala from within, instead of trying meet an expectation. I received a lot more than my finished mandala that day; I rediscovered my affection for drawing/painting and the creative muse that emerges when I just let go and let my spirit guide me on the journey. Thank you Stephanie…can't wait for next year. " - Darlene Ralicki 2011 Rhythm Renewal
07/10 Mandala workshop at the Summer Rhythm Renewal in Loretto, PA
Over the last four years, Lehigh Valley visual artist Stephanie Smith has created thousands of mandalas as a means to discover her authentic self. She believes that much like any meditative practice, this rhythmic art form has the ability to still the mind and bring into awareness the opportunity for healing and transformative growth at a deep level - effectively allowing you to take an active role in your personal evolution by making the conscious choice to be creative.
Stephanie utilizes a diverse range of media such as pen and ink, watercolor paint, acrylic paint, colored pencil, markers, and pastel. Impermanent mandalas are created using chalk, sand, stones, sticks, and seashells. Stephanie not only creates these works of art as a way to encourage personal growth within herself, but also in the participants of her interactive personal growth workshop entitled: “Mandala: An Artful Meditation” in which her goal is to encourage creativity without fear of judgment.
07/10 Mandala workshop at the Summer Rhythm Renewal in Loretto, PA
07/09 Mandala workshop at the Summer Rhythm Renewal in Loretto, PA.
"I wasn't really certain what an afternoon of "doodling" could really tell me about my personality or place in life! Little did I realize that nary an hour later I'd be staring at some of my biggest strengths...and problems...illustrated in magic marker and colored pencil on the desk before me! I really enjoyed the workshop and left with a sense of respect for the art of mandala! Stephanie is a great facilitator and her session is very worthwhile!" ... Kent Tonkin- 2009 Rhythm Renewal
"An engaging, artful experience; art therapy. The best part is that no prior artistic ability is required. It comes from within, and, as a facilitator, Stephanie shows you how easy it is to give it up."... Judy Greig- 2009 Rhythm Renewal
"Steph is very encouraging. With her teaching style she is able to illicit a level of comfort to allow you to become immersed in making a mandala. That says a lot because I'm not "artistic"!" ... Pat- 2009 Rhythm Renewal
October 2010 Circle of Trees Women's Retreat Milford, PA
September 2010 The Great Rhythm Revival Sherman, NY
2009 Rhythm Renewal workshop participant
Mandala workshop 11/09 at Chestnut Hill Church in Coopersburg, PA
02/10 Private mandala workshop for woman's group.
Chalk mandala at the 2009 Summer Rhythm Renewal
Read Stephanie's interview as a featured artist on art is fun! about how she got started creating mandalas, her favorite materials to work with and more!
