LACA to host 1^st national juried exhibit ‘Celebrating the Sacred Feminine’ in March

The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) will host its first ever international juried exhibit ‘Celebrating the Sacred Feminine - Honoring Women’s Herstory Month’ March 3-31 in the art center’s main gallery.- Honoring Women’s Herstory Month’ March 3-31 in the art center’s main gallery.- Honoring Women’s Herstory Month’ March 3-31 in the art center’s main gallery.- Honoring Women’s Herstory Month’ March 3-31 in the art center’s main gallery.

Sacred Feminine is expressed throughout civilizations and cultures. It is the energy that connects us through our bodies to nature, and the cycles of transformation.

In Celebrating the Sacred Feminine, artists from 23 states plus Canada, responded to the theme, showcasing diverse voices through an eclectic array of media. While the majority of the artists assembled are women, a number of men also weighed in on the subject. This show welcomes their voices.

Techniques used in the exhibit include, oil and acrylic paint, pastel, encaustic, mezzo print, wood cut, colored pencil, collage, quilting, watercolor, digital illustration, felting, porcelain, ceramics, wood carving, photography, intaglio, lumen print, welded sculpture, concrete sculpture and installation art.

A public opening reception will take place Friday, March 3 from 5-8 p.m. The reception will also feature a Labyrinth walk in the art center’s performance hall. The History of the labyrinth dates back thousands of years. The medieval Cathedral of Chartres in France, is perhaps the world’s most famous. The medieval Cathedral of Chartres in France, is perhaps the world’s most famous. Walking a labyrinth is a serene meditative journey helping to release stress, restore balance, and renew spirit. 

Interactive and reflective experiences in support of this ground-breaking exhibit are planned throughout the month engaging the public’s involvement.

A Spring Equinox Drum Circle will take place Monday, March 20 from 5-6:30 p.m. in the center’s performance hall. The Labyrinth Walk will also be available to walk during this event as well.

“No matter age, race, gender or religion, the drum echoes the heartbeat,” event organizer Joan Riise states. “Together, let’s bring in the season’s new energy within the circle of community. If you have a drum, bring it; extras will be available.”

A special closing reception Friday, March 31 from 5-8 p.m. will give area residents one last chance to view the exhibit and will also feature the Dances of Universal Peace from 6-7:30 p.m. The community is invited to join the circle dances, expanding the vision of peace among all people. No charge/donations welcome.

Dances of Universal Peace (DUP) draw upon the sacred phrases, scriptures and poetry of the earth’s spiritual traditions. The DUP blends live music and simple movements into living experiences of unity, peace and integration. The Sacred Earth Tribe invites all ages to come together in joyful celebration of the unity of life and the Sacred Feminine. These multicultural circle dances help build community and awareness of our connection to divine spirit through singing, chanting and movement. No experience necessary.

DUP features the Sacred Earth Tribe: Betty (Tasnim) Demers, Susanne Ashley, Marley (Kareem) Demers and Marty Jablonski, from Benzonia, Mich. They are part of Dances of Universal Peace North America and perform at events around the country. This is their first visit to Ludington.

The Ludington Area Center for the Arts is located at 107 S. Harrison St. in downtown Ludington and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays.