Womanspace
Programs for March 2010
Contact: Gale
Ketteler, Program Coordinator/Marketing Specialist, gale@womanspace-rockford.org,
815-877-0118
More information available at www.womanspace-rockford.org.
You may also register there for programs and events via credit card or PayPal¨,
and sign up for Intertwinings e-news.
Registration after deadline will be accepted on a space-available basis only. Call
815-877-0118 or email gale@womanspace-rockford.org,
for more information. Unless otherwise
noted, all programs take place at Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Drive in
Rockford.
***
Art Exhibit: Jhoole Weavers
Runs through March 31 in Gallery 3 (New Dimensions
building). Monday-Thursday, 9a-5p, plus evenings and weekends when programs are
scheduled. Freewill Offering.
Jhoole Weavers (pronounced ju-LAY) features photography by
Rockford native Hannah Warren of the Jhoole Weaver's Cooperative, as well as
the gorgeous textiles they produce. Jhoole is a branch of a grassroots NGO
where Warren has given the weavers funds to purchase their own material to
design, sell and wear their very own saris for the first time. The fair trade
started with four employees and now employs over one hundred women. Proceeds
from purchases of photographs, cards and fabrics will benefit both Womanspace
and Jhoole. This exhibit is presented in collaboration with the Rock Valley
College Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)
program and is partially supported by a grant from the Rockford Area
Arts Council, which receives support from
the City of Rockford, the Illinois Arts Council and its members.
Yoga for Girls and Women
Dates: March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Times: Tuesdays 6:30–7:30p
Instructor: Tami Bogard
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: $50/five classes or $12/class
For women and girls ages 9 and up, at all levels of ability and experience. Being a
girl these days can be a beautiful experience. Come learn how to navigate this
space and honor your body with yoga. Tami utilizes Hatha Yoga to help you find
a happy balance between exploring your physical potential and finding that
space of calm with deep relaxation. Dress comfortably and bring a sticky mat.
A Personal Fitness Trainer since 1992 and certified by
The American Council on Exercise, Tami loves teaching yoga to people of all
ages. She views her occupation as a way to help people. Teaching yoga since
2003 has allowed her to use her past knowledge of the body in a whole new way. ÒI
feel very grateful that I am allowed to make a living doing something I love so
much.Ó
Lunch & Learn:
Natural Approaches to Improve Immunity
Course #: LL09-13
Date: March 3
Time: Wednesday, Noon-1:00p
Presenter: Sherri Hamby
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: $10 Walk-ins welcome
We will learn how food choices, nutritional herbals, and
lifestyle habits can directly improve our wellness. SherriÕs vast knowledge of Ayurveda and natural health provides us with simple,
cost-effective options for better health in our daily lives. The goal of this
system is disease prevention. Sherri will also present information on seasonal
detoxification. Bring a sack lunch.
Sherri Hamby is an Ayurvedic Clinician and certified
Yoga Therapist. She completed her internship at the Kerala Academy in Seattle
and is an ongoing student of Dr. Vasant Lad, the WestÕs foremost Ayurvedic physician, in Albuquerque, NM. An
active member of National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) and the
International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), Sherri teaches nutrition,
seasonal detoxification, yoga, and herbal therapies as the basis for
self-healing. She is now working toward certification as a Doctor of
Naturopathy (ND).
Wednesday Evening Yoga
Dates: February 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Times: Wednesdays 5:30–7:00p
Instructor: Tami Bogard
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: $50/five classes or $12/class
De-stress and unwind after work with yoga. Tami utilizes
Hatha Yoga to help you find a happy balance between physical intensity and deep
relaxation. This class for adults is open to both men and women, at all levels
of ability and experience. Dress comfortably and bring a sticky mat.
A Personal Fitness Trainer since 1992 and certified by
The American Council on Exercise, Tami views her occupation as a way to help
people. Teaching yoga since 2003 has allowed her to use her past knowledge of
the body in a whole new way. ÒI feel very grateful that I am allowed to make a
living doing something I love so much.Ó
Yoga for Women
Dates: February 4, 11, 18, 25
Times: Thursdays, 9:30–10:45a
Instructor: Una Ryan
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: $40/four classes or $12/class
Yoga is an easy-to-learn workout program that not only
improves flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina, but also reduces anxiety
and stress. This basic Hatha Yoga class for adults will also help improve
mental clarity, so the time spent in practice is more than worth it. Dress
comfortably and bring a sticky mat.
Una has studied yoga since the early 70s with a number
of local teachers, beginning with Behram Guard. She has also taken workshops
with Rodney Yee, Donna Farhi, and Patricia Walden. Una teaches basic Hatha
Yoga, emphasizing reduction of stressful tension in mind and body.
Daf Drum Lessons – Level 1
Dates: March 4, 11, 18, 25
Times: Thursdays, Noon-1:00p
Instructor: Pardis Haghdoost
Location: Gallery 3 in New Dimensions
Cost: $40/four classes
Bring your Daf drum and learn how to play this mystical
instrument from a native Persian. The Daf is a large hand-held drum with metal
rings that jangle against the inside frame. Pardis will teach technique and
also share the spiritual side of the drum as it is used in sharing the writings
of Rumi, Hafiz & other mystics. In addition to the weekly class, you will
need to practice regularly. Contact Womanspace for information on sources for
purchasing a Daf.
Pardis Haghdoost is an RN at OSF Saint Anthony Medical
Center. Her passion and ancestral talent lies in reciting RumiÕs poetry and playing
the daf drum, used ceremonially for centuries in her native Persia.
Unlock the Meaning & Mystery of Dreams
Course #: WK09-20
Date: March 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: Thursdays, 6:30-8:30p
Facilitator: Dorothy Bock
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: $50 Register by March 3
Women, men, and teens are all welcome in this four-part
workshop. Become a Òdream workerÓ and uncover the deeper significance of your
dreams. YouÕll soon discover that dreaming is no waste of time. WeÕll look at
the process of dreaming, types of dreams, and the history of dreams. Then weÕll
practice unlocking dream-meaning on various levels, and learn not to impose,
but to help others probe the mystery and metaphors contained in their own
dreams. Journaling dreams and lucid dreaming will also be discussed.
Dorothy has been a dream-researcher and journaler for
30 years. She earned her BA at Alverno College, her MA in English Literature at
Marquette University, and completed her MFA in Art at the University of Notre
Dame. She has been a teacher of art, literature and the humanities since 1950.
WomanSpeak
Art Exhibit Opening Reception and Poetry Share
Art exhibit runs through May 8 in Gallery 1.
Monday-Thursday, 9a-5p, plus evenings and weekends when programs are scheduled.
Freewill Offering.
In honor of Women's History Month, Womanspace announces ÒWomanSpeakÓ,
a new art exhibit inspired by the words of strong females, opening this Friday,
March 5 from 5:30-8:00pm in their premier art gallery, Gallery 1. This special free opening
reception will feature the artists sharing the words that served as their
inspiration. The public is invited to enjoy refreshments, great art, and a
chance to meet and speak with the artists. Poets and poetry lovers (both male
and female) will also be invited to take the floor and share some of their favorite poems or other writings in an open mic
event. While on campus, guests can also visit the ÒJhoole WeaversÓ
exhibit in Gallery 3. Works of art in all three galleries are available for
purchase in a wide variety of media by members and art instructors at
Womanspace. Some of the artists featured in ÒWomanSpeakÓ are Dorothy Bock,
Fran Bock, Charlotte Hackin, Judith Hayes, Elaine Hirschenberger, Cindy
Hughes, Pat Lai, Susan Lee, Sue Mount, Nancy McManus Olson, and Chrissy
Stanfa. 40% of your art purchases benefits Womanspace and its programs.
Family Artshop: Thai Spirit Bird Houses
Course #: AW09-9
Dates: March 6
Time:
Saturday, 9:00a–Noon
Instructor: Norm Knott
Location: New
Dimensions Studio
Cost: $30 Register by March 4
For ages 12 & up. In Thailand, private homes and businesses use "spirit
houses" to keep mischievous celestial spirits from harassing the inhabitants.
The tradition predates Buddhism, but we will update it by using collage and
assemblage techniques. Once the house is decorated on the surface, the inside
can be "furnished" for the spirits or birds that will dwell there.
Our Thai Spirit Bird Houses will be weather proofed for some cautious outdoor
usage. Bring your favorite art and craft supplies to recycle and share. Basic
shapes of houses and a variety of supplies will be provided.
Norm, a well-known recycling artist and teacher,
works with themes and images from Buddhism, kitsch, and collections of
nostalgia and American culture. He enjoys preserving the past in color and
textures that soar as visionary or dive deep into metaphor. Norm exhibits his
work locally and regionally.
Handbuilt Pottery
Course #: PH09-3
Dates: March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 12, 19
Time: Mondays, 6:30-8:30p
Instructor: Melinda Konetski
Location: New Dimensions Studio
Cost: $95 (includes all materials)
Space is limited! Register by March 4
Ages 16-Adult. This class is an excellent introduction to
working with clay and is recommended prior to taking Beginning Wheel
Thrown Pottery.
Students will learn to construct bowls, vases, and vessels of many shapes and
sizes, using a variety of building techniques including pinch, coil, and slab.
Melinda has 5 years of experience throwing pottery. She
has a small studio in her home and studied pottery at both Rock Valley College
and McHenry College.
Advanced Claywork-Independent Study
Course #: PA09-4
Dates: March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 13, 20
Time: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30p
Instructor: Elaine Hirschenberger
Location: New Dimensions Studio
Cost: $60/six classes or $15/class Register by March 8
Ages 16-Adult. This course provides an opportunity for
experienced clay artists to work on projects without formal instruction, but
with some guidance. The sharing of different skills is highly encouraged.
Participants must be proficient in hand-building or wheel-throwing, and be able
to produce kiln-ready (stable, lightweight, non-exploding) pieces on a
consistent basis. Instructors or advanced independent study students will
handle firing. Includes all materials. Instructor's approval required.
Elaine co-founded Womanspace in 1975 with Dorothy Bock.
She is an accomplished writer and creates art in many different media. In her
roles as Executive Director of Womanspace and lead clay instructor, Elaine
enjoys working with accomplished and aspiring artists and thoughtful people of
all ages and abilities.
Bookwoman: The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
Course #: BW09-4
Date: March 10
Time: Wednesday, 9:30–11:00a
Location: Gallery 3 in New Dimensions
Cost: Freewill Offering Register by March 9
Come join our book group! French author Muriel Barbery has
given us a gently satirical, exceptionally winning and inevitably bittersweet
narrative told by two tenants of a small and exclusive Paris apartment building.
RenŽe Michel is the dumpy, nondescript, 54-year-old concierge for a handful of
tenants who scarcely notice she is alive. She prefers it that way, though she
possesses a mind of the most infinite refinement and precision. Paloma Josse,
an acutely intelligent, introspective and philosophical 12-year-old, also lives
in the building. She despises her coddled existence and has secretly decided to
kill herself on her birthday. Enter Kakuro Ozu, a Japanese gentleman who
immediately perceives that neither the little girl nor the concierge is just
what she seems. Join us to discuss this intriguing book.
EarthMatters
Dates: February 10
Time: Wednesday, Noon-1:15p
Facilitator: Sue Hoople
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: Freewill Offering-Suggested Donation $5.
Walk-ins welcome!
Whether youÕre a novice or active Ògreenie,Ó this group is
a fun and positive way to share information and accept the challenge of helping
our environment. Each month an environmental topic with a wealth of background
and research is presented and discussed. Prior attendance and registration are
not required. Bring a sack lunch.
Beginning Wheel-Thrown Pottery
Course #: PB09-5
Dates: March 10, 17, 24, 31, April 14, 21
Time: Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30p
Instructor: Cathy Hodges
Location: New Dimensions Studio
Cost: $95 (includes all materials)
Space is limited to six! Register by March 9
Ages 16-Adult. For true beginners as well as those who
have had one or two previous classes. Each will have a wheel to work on and
ample opportunity to practice centering the clay and pulling up bowls, mugs,
and plates. Material costs are included in fee.
Cathy has studied at Womanspace as well as with pottery
teachers in Tennessee and Colorado. She has taught pottery at Womanspace for
several years.
Intermediate Clayworks
Course #: PI09-4
Dates: March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 15, 22
Time: Thursdays, 9:00-11:00a
Instructor: Starr Pittaway
Location: New Dimensions Studio
Cost: $95 (includes all materials) Register by March 10
Ages 16-Adult. Instructor's approval required to join
class. For those who have mastered basic
hand built & throwing skills. Students work independently with guidance as
they learn to refine their skills, create lids, and alter & join forms. New
construction techniques will be explored, plus the opportunity to learn more
about glazing & firing.
Starr Pittaway has studied ceramics and pottery at West
LA College, Womanspace, & Rock Valley College. She also attended NCECA
Ceramic Conferences in Indianapolis, Portland and Louisville.
Creating Buddhas: The Making and Meaning of Fabric
Thangkas
A "Can't Miss" Film Event with Isadora Gabrielle
Leidenfrost
Course#: SE09-4
Date: March 13
Time: Saturday, 9:00a-Noon
Presenter: Isadora Gabrielle Leidenfrost
Location: Anderson Gardens, Art Gallery (lower level)
318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Cost: $20 (includes exhibit & prayer flag making)
Register by March 11; limited seats may be available at
the door.
Spend a delightful morning in the Visitor Center at
Anderson Gardens as we welcome filmmaker Isadora Gabrielle Leidenfrost to
Rockford for the local debut of her one-hour film, Creating Buddhas: The Making and Meaning of Fabric
Thangkas. This is the story of Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo, a fabric thangka
maker skilled in this Tibetan art form. Fabric thangkas are embroidered and
appliquŽd silk, so rare that in some places they are only seen once a year, and
then only for a few hours. Trained in Dharamsala, India for nine years,
Rinchen-Wongmo is one of the few female thangka makers in the world and one of
the only fabric thangka makers in the west. Watch the three-minute trailer.
Locally-owned painted and fabric thangkas will be on exhibit at this event. Before the film and following a
Q&A session with filmmaker Leidenfrost, guests will also be invited to make
and decorate Tibetan Prayer Flags with Una
Ryan and Norm Knott to take home. DVDs of the film will be available for
purchase. You are then invited to visit Anderson Gardens Restaurant for a
delicious lunch (price not included in admission). Presented in partnership
with Rockford Interfaith Council.
Isadora Gabrielle Leidenfrost is trained as both a
filmmaker and a textile historian. She holds a BFA from the Rhode Island School
of Design and a Masters from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she is
currently pursuing her Ph.D. Isadora owns and operates Soulful Media and has produced
ten films since 2004.
Lunch and Learn: World Religions Series-
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Course #: LL09-14
Date: March 17
Time: Wednesday, Noon-1:00p
Presenter: Sarah Woestman
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: $10 Walk-ins welcome!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was
organized in 1830 in New York. There are currently more than 13 million members
worldwide, with over half of those living outside of the United States. Sarah
will share the basic tenets of the church including Jesus Christ as the Savior
of mankind, the Bible and The Book of Mormon as holy scripture, modern day
prophets as leaders of the church, and an emphasis on family relations. Bring a
sack lunch.
Sarah Woestman was born in Petoskey Michigan where she
enjoyed spending time swimming in Lake Michigan and skiing at local resorts.
After completing an 18-month, full time, mission service for The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil, she received her BA in Broadcast
Journalism from Brigham Young University. Upon graduation, she began working
full time as a reporter and anchor for WREX Channel 13 News in Rockford. She is
currently a stay-at-home mom to two boys, and volunteers as the Greater
Rockford Area Director of Public Affairs for the LDS Church.
Art Lecture: Frida Kahlo-Revolutionary Artist
Course #: AL09-6
Dates: March 18
Time: Thursday, Noon–1:15p
Instructor: Dorothy Bock, MFA
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: $10 Register by March 17; walk-ins welcome.
A stunning look at this cult iconÕs brutal accident early
in life, multiple surgeries and transference of her pain to canvas. Married to
Diego Rivera, she replaced his social revolutionary art with her personal
struggle in her paintings, diaries and passionate life of tragedy and hope.
Dorothy earned her BA at Alverno College, her MA in
English Literature at Marquette University, and completed her MFA in Art at the
University of Notre Dame. She has been a teacher of art, literature and the
humanities since 1950.
Bookgirl: The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
Course #: JM09-14
Dates: March 18
Time: Thursday, 6:00–7:30p
Facilitator: Monica Krysztopa
Location: Gallery 3 in New Dimensions
Cost: $5 Register by March 16
This book club is for girls ages 9-13 who love to read.
The books will highlight different cultures and countries and will provide for
lively discussions and activities. Refreshments will be provided. Read the book
and be ready to share your favorite parts!
Young Parvana lives with her family in one room of a
bombed-out apartment building in Kabul, Afghanistan. Because he has a foreign
education, her father is arrested by the Taliban, the religious group that
controls the country. Since women cannot appear in public unless covered head
to toe, or go to school, or work outside the home, the family becomes
increasingly desperate until Parvana conceives a plan. She cuts her hair and
disguises herself as a boy to earn money for her family. Deborah Ellis spent
several months talking with women and girls in Afghan refugee camps in Pakistan
and Russia and royalties from the sale of The Breadwinner will go toward
educating Afghan girls in Pakistani refugee camps.
Monica is a mother of a ten year old Bridget, and has
led a summer book club for her daughter & friends. She has a passion for
reading & writing and is working on her first novel.
Celebrating Our Foremothers
Course #: RF09-4
Date: March 20
Times: Saturday, 4:30–7:00p
Facilitator: Dorothy Bock and Elaine Hirschenberger
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: Freewill Offering Register by March 18
We invite Womanspace members and friends to this special
evening celebration. At the time of this spring equinox in WomenÕs History
Month, we will celebrate with candlelight
and stories the many unique and inspirational women who have shaped our lives
individually and the life of this Center. Come honor and remember our
foremothers with stories and pictures. Memorial candles may be purchased ($10
each) at the celebration for those to whom you will pay tribute. After the
celebration, please stay for a potluck supper celebrating our friendship.
(Bring a dish to pass.)
Queen of Heaven-Spring Equinox
Date: March 21
Times: Sunday, 7:00-9:00p
Facilitator: Debby Gaines and Gale Ketteler
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: Freewill Offering-Suggested Donation $5, plus food
or drink to share.
This group for women meets periodically to explore the
divine feminine. At this time of year, we mark the balance between light and
dark, turning our faces to the waxing solar light and turning our hearts
outward to our community. Bring your favorite song, symbol, poem or other words
of the season. Previous attendance is not necessary and walk-ins are welcome.
Come meet some like-minded women, celebrate the approach of Spring, and share
good conversation.
Debby Gaines
facilitated her UU ChurchÕs Wild WomenÕs Retreat for six years, including two
years as co-chair with Gale. Her journey of self-discovery led to a pilgrimage
to the island of Malta with Jennifer Berezan in 2007, where they explored
ancient goddess sites. She is currently a student at the California Institute
of Integral Studies.
Gale Ketteler
is Program Coordinator and Marketing Specialist at Womanspace. She first
explored feminine theology in the Cakes for the Queen of Heaven
course in Madison in the 80s. She has facilitated it twice here in Rockford and
is thrilled to help other women discover empowering stories that pre-date
patriarchal history.
Supper & Film: Iron-Jawed Angels
Course #: SF09-6
Date: March 22
Time: Monday, 6:00–9:00p
Facilitator: Dorothy Bock
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: $10 (includes supper & discussion) Register by
March 18
A perfect film for WomenÕs History Month. This fresh and frequently unheralded look at a
pivotal event in American history tells the true story of brilliant and defiant
women activists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns. They took the womenÕs suffrage
movement by storm, risking their lives, but salvaging their ever-basic rights. Once
you see this film, you will never miss another election. Hilary
Swank, Angelica Huston and Frances OÕConnor are outstanding. Not rated.
Fun Night for Adults
Date: March 26
Time: Friday, 7:00-9:00p
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: Freewill Offering-Suggested Donation $5, plus food
or drink to share.
Registration preferred by March 25.
Come spend an evening with other Womanspace members and
friends as we provide a social gathering for adults with games, good
conversation and fun! Walk-ins are welcome. Just bring yourself, your partner,
a friend or two, and maybe some food or drink to share. This could be your best
night out this month!
Raku-Fired Beads Artshop
Date: March 27
Time: Saturday, 9:00a-Noon
Instructor: Stacey Burns
Location: New Dimensions Studio
Cost: $30 (includes materials) Register by March 25
The Raku firing process is fun, unpredictable, and
instantly gratifying! This workshop is a great way to try this amazing art with
no prior experience. Bisque-fired beads will be provided, and each participant
will be able to glaze and fire enough beads for one necklace, OR a bracelet and
a pair of earrings. First learn simple techniques, and then glaze and hang
beads on individual bead racks. The beads will be fired immediately in the
outdoor Raku kiln. Wear cotton clothing
appropriate for both indoor and outdoor art work.
Stacey Burns is an enthusiastic multi-media artist,
with a passion for encouraging others in their creative endeavors. New to
Rockford, drawn here by the enigmatic Sock Monkey, she is never one to be pinned
down or boxed in. Creativity is a way of life for her: She writes, creates
pottery, lampwork beads and marbles, alters anything that isn't nailed down,
designs rubberstamps for Rockford's own Amazing Arts, paints, sews, and much
more.
Restorative Yoga
Course #: WK09-21
Date: March 27
Time: Saturday, 10:00a-Noon
Facilitator: Una Ryan
Location: Womanspace Library
Cost: $20 Register by March 25
Every woman needs time to relax and renew. Spend a
peaceful morning with Una in postures that are supported by pillows and blocks.
This yoga practice is for all abilities and incorporates gentle stretches, plus
time for reflection. Dress comfortably and bring a sticky mat.
Una has been studying yoga since the early 70s with a
number of local teachers, beginning with Behram Guard. She has taken workshops
with Rodney Yee, Donna Farhi, and Patricia Walden. She teaches our weekly Yoga
for Women class on Thursday mornings utilizing basic Hatha Yoga to reduce
stressful tension in mind and body.
Herbal Teas and Tinctures
Course #: WK09-22
Date: March 29
Time: Monday, 6:30-8:30p
Facilitator: Liz Fiorenza
Location: Fountain View Room
Cost: $25 (includes some tea) Register by March 25
Spend an informative evening with Liz. YouÕll learn how to
utilize herbs as a natural approach to better health for you and your family.
WeÕll make a variety of teas and try several blends of different culinary and
medicinal herbs. Root and leaf tinctures will also be discussed as another
simple, yet effective means of using herbs on a daily basis. Liz will have
tinctures, packaged tea and other organic items available for purchase.
Liz owns Wind Ridge Herb Farm in Caledonia with organic
gardens featuring over 200 varieties of culinary and medicinal herbs, plus a
shop featuring teas, spices, dips, salves, lotions, bath and baby products, as
well as many antique and gift items. She has been an RN for over 25 years and
is also a Master Herbalist.
SpacePacers
Walking Group
Walking is one of the best things you can do for your
body, mind and spirit. . .and it doesnÕt cost anything! Have fun in this
women-only group and make friends while improving your health. Sometimes
creative and unconventional methods and incentives are planned to reach our
daily steps goal, like our Virtual Walk to Mardi Gras. SpacePacers schedules
walks two to three times a week in and around the Rockford area. There is no
cost to be part of this Womanspace group and you are free to join us at any
time for as many or as few walks as you want. If you are interested, please e-mail us to be put onto the list.
Green Fundraiser
EarthMatters is both our environmental group and a beautiful and functional and reusable shopping
bag! Come to Womanspace and get your environmentally-sound reusable totes for
just $10 each. TheyÕre made by a woman-owned and operated company here in the
U.S. from 100% post-consumer recycled water bottles, and they make a great
statement!
Walk the Labyrinth
The Womanspace labyrinth and other gardens are free and
open to the public daily during daylight hours. Labyrinths have been used by
many spiritual traditions for over 4000 years. Our 11-circuit design is modeled
after the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France. It opens you to a meditative
and transformative experience - the ancient practice of circling to the center,
incorporating the imagery of the spiral into a meandering, but purposeful path.
Its many turns reflect the journey of life, which involves change and
transition, rites of passage and cycles of nature. Starting at the circle
drive, follow the prayer ribbon hoops through the woods, turn right at the
bench and onto the prairie to discover the labyrinth. Allow yourself at
least an hour to fully experience the journey to the center and back out again.
Holistic Health Room
Womanspace has a wonderful space for providing massage
therapy, Reiki, and other bodywork. Appointments are made directly with the
service provider, who will inform you of fees and other details. To contact a
provider or learn more about our rental contract, contact us at info@womanspace-rockford.org or
815-877-0118.
Ceremonies, Gatherings and Celebrations at Womanspace
Consider Womanspace for your wedding, memorial service,
renewal of wedding vows or other celebrations. Over the past decades, many
people have enjoyed ceremonies on our grounds and in our facilities. Contact
Womanspace for rental fees and information on how we can provide a
one-of-a-kind experience in our gardens, pine forest, Labyrinth and other
meeting areas.
***
About Womanspace:
Situated on a seven-acre campus with art studios and
galleries, Gallery2Go gift shop, beautiful gardens and a labyrinth, Womanspace has touched
the lives of more than 20,000 men, women and children since its founding in
Rockford, Illinois in 1975. Womanspace seeks to inspire individuals to discover
new talents, interests and friendships, and is dedicated to helping people live
their best lives through programs that enhance mind, body and spirit.
Womanspace operates as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Directions:
From Mulford or Alpine/Spring Creek, take Spring Brook
Road to Applewood Lane. Travel one block north on Applewood and then turn
left on Maria Linden Drive. At the top of the hill, veer to the right in front
of the lot for Provena Cor Mariae.