The Guardian by Michael Winger

Retreat Reunion Event Information & Directions

The Guardian

Tina’s experience at her 2004 Cancer Retreat inspired her to create a healing garden in her home. The focal point of the garden is a sculpture, “The Guardian”, created by one of her fellow CHP participants, Michael Winger. “The concept of ‘The Guardian’ is that of avian forms protecting their eggs- their young. Four birds hover over and under their young with outstretched wings, protecting their young. When viewed from the side, the negative space created by the egg forms create two eyes. These are the eyes of the guardian. Others have seen an image of the Madonna and Child from the front, and lovers from the side. I think these images are all present in ‘The Guardian.’”

– Michael Winger, Artist and CHP Alum (2004)

Directions

The event is located at the home of Retreat alumna, Tina Cleland

9506 Culver Street, Kensington, MD 20895

The venue is ADA accessible. Street parking is available.

More information on Kensington, MD

METRO: The venue is close to the Medical Center, Grosvenor, and Bethesda Red Line Metro stations. From the station, it is a quick trip via Uber or Lift.

We will also have volunteers available to drive people from the Medical Center metro station to Tina’s house.

To request a pickup from the metro, please email DeAnne Nehra at Rdan89@aol.com by May 29, 2018.

Accommodations

There are a number of hotels in Kensington, Bethesda, and Silver Spring that are nearby.

If you are coming in from out of town and would like to request a place to stay with a local Cancer Retreat alum, please email DeAnne Nehra at Rdan89@aol.com by May 1, 2018. to request a placement. Spaces available are dependent on how many local Cancer Retreat alums volunteer to host. We cannot guarantee accommodation space will be available.

If you are a local Cancer Retreat alum and would like to volunteer to host a Cancer Retreat Alum from out of town please email DeAnne Nehra at Rdan89@aol.com to volunteer your home.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Rebecca Wilkinson, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT

Mandalas for Managing Stress and Increasing Wellbeing

Mandalas – circular designs that communicate symbolic meaning – have been used for centuries as a form of contemplative practice in many spiritual traditions.

In this brief but focused workshop, we will use mandala imagery, writing, and meditative practice to bring creativity, healing, and an increased sense of grounding and balance into our lives. Absolutely no previous art experience is needed. The workshop is designed for all ranges of artistic experience–you need not consider yourself an artist to attend.

 

Suggested Materials:

  • Paper to draw on – can be any size or color that you like; we usually work with something between 6 x 6 to 12 x 12
  • Art supplies to draw or paint with – E.G. colored pencils, magic markers, chalk or oil pastels, watercolor paints, and/or acrylics
  • Plate or circular shape – to draw an outline of a circle on the paper
  • For those of you who do creative or art journaling, you are welcome to use your journal to create your mandala.

Suggested Donation: $10


About Rebecca Wilkinson, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT

Rebecca Wilkinson

Rebecca Wilkinson, MA, ATR-BC, is a Registered and Board Certified art therapists with twenty years of experience in mental health and in facilitating training and workshops. She serves as adjunct faculty at George Washington University Graduate Art Therapy Program and provide continuing education and development through the Potomac Art Therapy Association. She facilitates supportive workshops for those affected by life threatening illness and the professional providers working with them. Co-founder of Creative Wellbeing Workshops, LLC, which provides training, consultation, and clinical therapy designed to reduce stress, prevent burnout and increase life satisfaction and wellbeing.