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When life feels chaotic, create art! Whirling feelings inside can make it hard to do things, but that’s okay! Together we will learn how that chaos can help us grow.

Join us as the Rubin Museum’s Brainwave program series and Family Sundays come together for the first time to explore perspectives on chaos and awareness by making art. Guided by community psychologist Rochele Royster, PhD, you’ll learn about the Buddhist mandala design, reflect on your personal challenges, and create a mandala-inspired artwork using found objects from home or nature! By grounding your mind and body through collective art making and storytelling, you’ll feel less trapped by the chaotic thoughts that cause anxiety, and you’ll take time to focus, meditate, and breathe.

Materials List:

Gather objects from your home and nature. You’ll need enough to fill your whole mandala. You can put your found objects in bowls or cups before you begin..

Here are some ideas. Feel free to use other objects too!

  • Rocks, pebbles, stones
  • Buttons
  • Dried leaves
  • Fresh flowers
  • Rice, barley
  • Dried beans
  • Dried herbs, star anise, cinnamon sticks, fennel
  • Sticks
  • Fabric, yarn remnants, ribbon
  • Toothpicks
  • Jar tops
  • Paper
  • Cotton balls
  • Seashells

Family Programs are made possible through the generosity of New York Life Insurance Company, Con Edison, the Tiger Baron Foundation, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
General operating support of the Rubin Museum of Art is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, as well as by generous donations from the Museum’s Board of Trustees, individual donors, and members.
*”NEW YORK LIFE” and the NEW YORK LIFE Box Logo are trademarks of New York Life Insurance Company. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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