Tuesday
Great Lakes, Scene and HeardFort Collins Shambhala Meditation Center opens an Art Gallery
The Fort Collins Shambhala Meditation Center recently celebrated their new gallery space called Shambhala Contemporary by exhibiting the works of Sue Hammond West, a nationally known painter and mixed media artist and chair of the Visual Arts Department at Naropa University in Boulder, CO. Hammond West teaches and researches contemporary and ecstatic art forms, and how to infuse art with a palpable haunting presence. The gallery opening was part of the First Friday Gallery Walk held the first Friday of every month in Fort Collins. The event brought in many local art patrons who were pleasantly surprised to find this gem of an art and meditation space tucked neatly in an alleyway in the heart of Old Town.
The exhibition is titled being basically what is and encompasses a playful variety of works that combine art making with the energy of Buddhism and yoga philosophy. Local Shambhala member, Jennie Kiessling Michler is the Director of Shambhala Contemporary Gallery and was pleased with the turnout on opening night, March 6. According to Kiessling-Michler, engaging in the arts is an integral part of the view that the Fort Collins Center holds. She says that the Shambhala Contemporary will focus on providing a community arena for exhibition and education dedicated to serving established contemporary artists who recognize sacred tradition of our world as a medium of expression and transformation.
Shambhala Contemporary’s exhibition calendar for the next two seasons will include visiting artist talks, presentations and community collaborations. Hammond West will discuss her work during the Artist Talk scheduled for April 17th at 6:00 pm. at the Center, 126A W. Mountain Ave. in Fort Collins.
The space is open Wednesday evenings from 7-8 pm and always by appointment. Call Jennie Kiessling Michler, 970-218-5165 or visit the website, www.fortcollins.shambhala.org.
