The Sedona Posse Grounds Hub is hosting the art exhibit, Exploring the Power of Stillness — A Moment for 9/11+, centered on Liz Learmont’s sculpture installation titled Stillness of Being.
This interactive participatory artwork made up of 12 life-sized sculptures of people in a circle in meditation poses includes chairs in the arrangement inviting viewers to join in meditation.
Red Earth Theatre has invited performers to create a collage of words, music and movement complementing and exploring further the heart of this exhibit in a special performance Friday, Sept. 30, at the Sedona Hub. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. to allow attendees time in the circle, before the performance at 7 p.m.
Just as Learmont’s work begins with the living person before it evolves into the sculptures in the space, the addition of living artists into the circle she has created perhaps completes the artistic journey.
Inspired by the intuitive thought, “Come, join the circle,” Learmont embarked upon this life’s work following the attacks of 9/11. She felt a real calling as an artist, watching as what she envisioned and worked so hard for was finally realized. The entire process has been a spiritual journey for her, culminating in the form that gives substance to the limitless depth of spirit. Her work asks us, as the viewer, to engage with this work through our courage and to sit with this group of beings; intending a transformation to take place for the individual through stillness
and silence.
Red Earth Theatre invites everyone to allow the words and gentle expression of movement to further engage their heart and soul in an experience of community, compassion and love.
Performers include Pash Galbavy and Martha Edwards bringing the mask performance piece “Woe and Compassion” to the circle; Terra Shelman offering William Shakespeare’s sonnets; Mary Heyborne reading three original poems inspired by 9/11; Sarah Ann Lesslie bringing a personal story of the day of 9/11 and how it has resonated in her life since; Gary Every brings his newest meditation on place; and Cassie Mavis performing a silent, slow-moving belly dance.
Music is offered from 12-year-old Riley Whittaker, and Kate Hawkes with Katie Fowler combine short text pieces with movement. Gerard Maguire will read the words of John Waddell describing his work “Rising,” which will be shown on a TV screen, artfully put together by filmographer Angelo LaMarco.
The audience will be seated in the high-ceilinged main room, surrounded by the artwork of Joanne Agostinelli, Donna Bonavito, Patti Childers, Page Filson, Cathy Gazda, Paul Gazda, Grace Kirkwood, John Oakes, Barbara Ragalyi, Joe Wise and Malieta Wise.
Circles of connectivity are created first by the installation, then with the performers moving through that circle, rippling out to the audience, in a half circle beyond that, within the half circle of art on the walls behind them. The evening will be a profound opportunity for healing and empowerment as the arts come together for this special event.
Come to the Sedona Hub on Sept. 30, at 6.30 p.m. Enjoy the wine-art and homemade ice cream.
Honor those lost, celebrate lives now, and create space for futures together while exploring the power of stillness through art and performance.
Tickets are $10 at the door. The Sedona Hub is located at 525B Posse Ground Road, next to Sedona Skate Park.
For more information, visit SedonaHub.org, email info@redearththeatre.org, or call 399-0997.
