Creating a Labyrinth of Lanterns
The Season of Creation Invites Community Collaboration for Public Art
Issaquah Arts sees a future where there is more art in Issaquah. More places to practice art, experience art, and come together as a creative community. Together, Issaquah Arts and the leadership of Our Savior Lutheran Church (OSLC) have been envisioning a new kind of place; a destination for art, nature and spirit.
From the Autumn Equinox through the end of Salmon Days, you are invited to experience a Labyrinth of Lanterns. Listen to the Issaquah Creek, take in the big trees, and use the labyrinth as a place to slow down and center, day or night.
Ancient art forms that tap into the geometry of the circle and spiral, labyrinths are grounded in universal shapes reflected throughout nature. There are many metaphors for describing the practice of walking a labyrinth; spiritual journey, walking meditation, moving prayer, recharging the soul, agent of change, crucible of wisdom, well of inspiration, just to name a few.
Natural and built environments shape our experience and our emotions. We can create space to cultivate a sense of calm, and places to inspire awe. When we’re engaged within it, these kinds of places allow space for reconnection with self, with nature, and community.
There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. A labyrinth is not a maze, rather a path that always leads to its center. You begin and end your journey at the same location, yet the exit is not the same as the beginning.
The labyrinth offers space for quiet reflection, and for some, a release of troubles or worries. With the changing seasons it can be a place of hope and renewal. We hope you’ll try it and see what the experience means to you.
A Season of Creation Invites Collaboration
Labyrinths have a consistent circular shape, but can be made out of many different materials. Indoors there may be made of tile or brickwork, or a fabric printed with the rings of the labyrinth. Outdoor labyrinths are often formed with paths lined with plants, and temporary works can be shaped with foraged branches, pinecones, and seasonal materials.
This labyrinth is the result of upcycling and community collaboration, from the sourcing of the materials to the transformation into art
Starting in August, Issaquah restaurants were invited to help save cans that could be transformed into punched hole lanterns to illuminate the winding path of the labyrinth. Thanks to Tutta Bella, WildFin, Formula Brewing, Agave, Big Picture, Gaslamp, Zeek’s Pizza, Flat Iron Grill and Boehm’s Chocolates - hundreds of cans were saved, rinsed, and delivered to the OSLC site. Volunteers soaked and removed labels, getting each can sparkling and ready for lantern making.
Now we’re on the countdown for making lanterns. Free form or with patterns, people are drilling and hammering, each contributing a piece of the larger installation.
Lantern Making at 745 Front Street South | Sunday, Sept 15 3-4:30PM
On Sunday September 15th you can stop by OSLC to help make lanterns, or pick up one to make at home. Lanterns returned by Tuesday, September 17th will be incorporated into the labyrinth design.
Experience the works in process
Join in the last night of community lantern making and celebrate this creative cycle on the Harvest Moon
You’ll get a peek inside the process, see lanterns made throughout the month, and get to know the collaborators behind this autumn art activation.
Tuesday, Sept 17th | 7-9PM
RSVP is not required - but we would love to know you're coming
Arts Sanctuary
Arts Sanctuary is a temporary art activation at 745 Front Street South open between September 5th - October 6th. Issaquah Arts and Our Savior Lutheran Church have partnered together to bring a series of events and art installations to celebrate autumn with art.
You can help grow our community of artists, makers and enthusiasts in Issaquah! Share our newsletter and join the Issaquah Arts Network on LinkedIn