Ordinary Insight

Naropa University Professors of Visual Arts, Marlow Brooks, Robert Spellman and Sue Hammond West are exhibiting their work at the gallery through May 14, 2016.  Co-curated and brought to the gallery by Virginia Tech Professor Douglas Lindner of the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, these three artists all have something in common with Professor Lindner, and that is their contemplative practices.

The Ascent by Sue Hammond West

Each artist approaches their medium with a powerful connection to place and time, their work
enriched by their contemplative practice.  Focusing on mindfulness, this exhibit spotlights Naropa's approach to contemplative art which evolves out of meditation practices rooted in Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism, and how they inform any activity.

Professor Lindner was the chair for the Contemplative Studies in the 21st Century University Conference which was held at Virginia Tech last week .  His own mindfulness practice has lead him to share this knowledge with  faculty, staff and students. Through this conference community was built, so that what may seem like an isolated interest, can gather strength and be shared well.   More importantly it was designed to help us pay attention to what we are doing and to help us connect a little better with the students we are working with; to guide them in a way that will allow for full and present living.
                                 

Pre-Conference Workshop The Art of the Brush presented by Marlow Brooks 3/10/16

In 2014 Doug Lindner was a visiting Lenz Scholar at Naropa where he met the artists.  They were invited to exhibit at Perspective Gallery, to add another level of how individuals experience mindfulness.  We were fortunate to have artist Marlow Brooks visit and give a pre-conference workshop titled  The Art of the Brush. During the three hour workshop people from many walks of life gathered and learned to  better connect with their Chi, or life force. Many, brand new to this art, created beautiful and meaningful brushwork.The three hours flew by and all attending learned to connect to self through this ancient artform.

Left Dragonfly Series by Robert Spellman Right Gentleness by Marlow Brooks 

The work exhibited  in Ordinary Insight will cause you to stop.  Hopefully you will experience it in addition to looking at it.  The gallery provides a peaceful and quiet place to help you regain your centeredness....or to find it.


Open Tuesday - Saturday 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Monday