This year we celebrate 10 years of Garden of Yoga in Northcote and 5 years in our new studio. Come join us for an afternoon of art, mandala making and snacks!
Thank you for being a part of our community - we appreciate all of you and thank you for your support over the past 10 years here in Northcote!
We have some fun events planned - you are welcome to pop in throughout the afternoon, attendance is free, but please book in so we know how many snacks to buy!
Garden Mandala Making 3-4pm
Join Jo for a nature mandala making workshop with plant materials collected from our own garden, as well as stones and glass elements that have travelled with her as she's taught this workshop in festivals here and New Zealand. No previous art or meditation experience required and you are also welcome to observe as the mandala takes shape, and learn about the history of mandalas and how you can create your own.
The word 'mandala' comes from Sanskrit. Loosely translated it means circle, but a mandala is more than a shape. Mandalas have been used as tool for contemplation and meditation for thousands of years across many cultures. It is a beautiful metaphor for community, as many individual elements come together to create a harmonious whole.
The emphasis is on the process, not the end product – on creation as meditation and building something together that we can all enjoy (it is also lovely to watch as well as make). We will conclude the creative process with a brief movement meditation. We'll be building this mandala on a table, with chair options for comfort and accessibility (although unfortunately our studio is not wheelchair accessible unfortunately, since access is via a narrow walk way and some stairs). The workshop zone will be a sensory friendly space, with no music and soft light.
You can learn more about the history of mandalas here
Art exhibition by Jo Stewart
Our studio space will be transformed with an installation and exhibition of Jo's art. These pieces will all be for sale if you'd like to take a little piece of Garden of Yoga home with you!
Live painting with Ana Armillas
We are honoured to have local artist Ana Armillas live painting a mural in our courtyard - you might recognise her from an aerial yoga class and if you have seen her work you'll definitely recognise her vibrant and colourful style!
Ana is a Spanish artist based in Melbourne who believes in “the power of public art”, the social component of bringing people together.
When Ana creates murals, she is acutely aware of how her murals connect her to the community. With every brushstroke she is forming a relationship between herself and the community who will view it. She loves to give back to the community, especially via the murals as it’s an accessible way for people to engage with art within city life.
She also has a strong sense of representing women’s identity, focusing on the inside world of ideas, feelings and dreams.
Ana’s art practice is shaped by the concepts of light, metamorphosis and growth - often using metaphors inspired by nature.
Tea and treats!
We'll be serving tea, snacks and vegan cakes!
Community Support
We thank you for being a part of our community. This is a free event, but you have the means we invite you to support a community cause close to your heart. If you are looking for recommendations we recommend:
Asylum Seekers Resource Center who provide humanitarian services, providing emergency food, shelter and healthcare to people seeking asylum here in Naarm, Melbourne. They are running very low on funds right now and could really use the support.
Super Grans Aotearoa a grassroots community group providing emergency food relief, especially after the recent weather events (as well as other support) in Aotearoa New Zealand.
