Are you an artist? Or maybe you have artistic talent or training, even though your "job" is not in the field of art. Have you thought you?d like to use your talents to benefit the animals but weren?t sure how to do it? Then this five day retreat at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is for you. All skill levels are welcome!
In the Humane Movement art is generally thought of as something to sell at a fundraising auction. But art can be a powerful tool for telling the story and spreading the message of kindness and caring! This retreat will give you a chance to explore new methods of thinking and working, new ways of telling our "story" and potentially a way to reach an entirely new audience with our message. And it takes place in the beautiful setting of Angel Canyon with the animals of Best Friends!
The instructor, Cyrus Mejia, was born in 1947 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He spent his youth in the South, growing up in a richly cross-cultural household. His mother was from Mississippi; his father was a native of Columbia, South America. Mejia studied painting, drawing and ceramics at Hinds Community College in Mississippi before traveling abroad, spending several years in Europe. A chance encounter with dogs caged in a London research laboratory turned his sights in a new direction. No longer could Mejia practice his art without incorporating this indelible experience. He says, "I was so shocked and moved by what I saw that I had no choice but to try and help animals in any way I could."
His way would incorporate art and, subsequently, much more. In 1984, Mejia and wife Anne were among a dedicated group of animal-loving friends who founded best Friends Animal Society. Cyrus Mejia lives and works in Kanab, Utah, home of Best Friends, with his wife and their family of dogs and cats.
Cyrus Mejia's work continues to reflect his passion for the animals and the Earth, and his message is a cri de couer for compassion and kindness. His artwork can be found in both private and public collections.
Though each year's schedule is different, these are the types of activities you'll be working on during the retreat.
- Studio work, including ceramics, painting, printmaking and digital photography.
- Daily life drawing of the animals at Best Friends.
- Nature hikes for sketching and other outdoor art activities. These are not strenuous hikes.
- During the week participants will be having lunch together every day. These will be great times for artistic dialogue and networking.
For more information including class dates, availability status, plus registration forms, contact us at workshops@bestfriends.org or call (435) 644-3965 ext. 4317.
