Nature Mantras and Mandalas: In the Woods!

DESCRIPTION
Join artist and guide Aliina Lahti for a meditative and nature-based workshop that blends inner reflection with ephemeral art. Nature Mantras and Mandalas invites you to slow down, look inward, and create a temporary yet meaningful work of art using natural materials gathered from the landscape around you—whether forest, beach, or meadow.

Through grounding exercises and guided meditation, you’ll choose a personal mantra and explore it as you arrange found organic materials into mandalas—circular or spiral forms that symbolize unity and wholeness. You’re welcome to move through this experience in quiet introspection or in the company of other students, sharing stories and presence as you go.

The session culminates with a transition to paper, where you'll transcribe your mantra(s) in the form of your mandala, blending visual art and language into a contemplative keepsake. This practice can be both transformative and connective—deepening your sense of self while forging gentle bonds with others on a similar path.

No prior experience in art or meditation is needed—just a willingness to explore and create with an open heart.

SUPPLY INFORMATION
Students should bring:

• A sketchbook and pen

Northwind will have clipboards, colored pencils, and copy paper available.

COURSE DETAILS
After registration, course details are available via the Northwind Art School learning portal. Learn more

ABOUT ALIINA
Aliina is a watercolorist, abstract painter, eco-artist, and a certified yoga and K-12 teacher. Her exploration of art in nature and art with nature began with childhood mud pies in her backyard and continues to be inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She thrives when teaching classes in the great outdoors, using art as a tool for self-exploration, grounding, meditation, and play. With degrees in visual art and ecology, she deeply appreciates the interconnectedness of all living things. Her teaching encourages playful, whole-body integration and acceptance, incorporating movement, stretch breaks, and the recognition that art can be a practice of both letting go and play.

See more: Other courses taught by Aliina
Artist website: Aliina Lahti

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DISCOUNTS
This course is eligible for a 10% member discount at the Supporter level and beyond. Get a membership today!

Don's Pharmacy and Art Toolkit in Port Townsend offer Northwind Art School students a 10% discount on art supplies.

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CANCELLATION POLICY
If Northwind Art has to cancel a course for any reason, all enrolled students will receive a 100% refund (including any materials fee).

Students who withdraw from a course at least seven days prior to its first meeting will receive a 90% refund (less any materials fee). 

Students withdrawing fewer than seven days from the first day of class are not eligible for a refund except in the case of illness or injury, in which case they are eligible to receive a 40% refund (less any materials fee).

Please note that 10% of every course registration fee is considered to be a non-refundable deposit in cases of withdrawal to cover administrative overhead. All refunds will be applied to the same credit card that was used for enrollment. No credits or transfers will be granted. 

Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.