JACKSON, Wyo. — Horse Warriors’ Kindness Project Art Show celebrates the power of kindness with a colorful display of mandalas at the Center for the Arts through November.
An opening reception, free and open to the public, will be held Nov. 3 in the Center’s lobby, by the Glenwood Street entrance, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Kindness Project explores how the kindness we experience from others, the kindness we extend and observable acts of kindness in the world, can become part of a growing awareness of its power and influence. The mandalas are an opportunity for the community to meditate on what it means to be kind. In the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, mandalas are used in meditation to aid in one’s spiritual development.
Thirty-six mandalas, hung in a giant quilt-like display, have been created by participants in the Horse Warriors programs: Power Ponies, Mighty Mustangs, Horse Warriors, Cancer Kickers and Women and Horses. Seen through the lens of participants ranging in age from seven to 70, the circular and square designs reflect the many ways humans can express consideration and grace.
“This project gave everyone a chance to share how they saw kindness in the world through their filter,” Executive Director and Co-Founder of Horse Warriors Priscilla Marden said.
The goal of Horse Warriors is to make the world a better place, one relationship at a time by connecting people with horses. Marden describes Horse Warriors as a place of acceptance for everyone and their year-round art projects allow for children and adults of all ages to connect to their unique way of seeing things.
While some of the Kindness Project mandalas, are symmetrical with repeating colors, shapes and patterns and others are organic, free-flowing and asymmetrical, all of them are thoughtful interpretations of our relationship to one another and the world.
Horse Warrior artists used acrylic paint and/or colored pencil to design their geometric configurations on a 12 inch by 12 inch medium-density fiber board. Each mandala has an accompanying artist description exploring the concept of kindness.
“Anything that anyone can do right now to promote kindness and patience is the the best use of our human time,” said Marden.
This project is funded through grants from the Wyoming Arts Council, Jackson Hole Public Art/Arts for All and the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund.
Here is a selection of some of the mandalas that will be on display:
“Kindness can be shown through the preservation of nature, which can be displayed through this piece. A scene of sea animals, a pod of playful dolphins, a turtle and her hatchling, seahorses and their Fry’s, as well as flourishing sea grass, all enjoying their natural habitat. Keeping the waters clean provides a safe environment for the animals that live there, showing kindness for the environment, the animals and the people that come after us wanting to enjoy the beauty of the ocean in all her natural glory.”
— Sophie Thomas
“In my art piece I wanted to portray the balance of good and bad and how to recognize and truly be grateful for the good things in life when the bad things might come your way. So, always show kindness to others and always be grateful so you and others may see and feel the good in life as well and uplift us all through the bad.”
— Sara Christie
“Kindness weaves an infinite path through our lives. It is a beneficent force that can radiate in all directions and holds great power in the circle of life. It heals us and nourishes all that it touches.”
— Jesse Johnson
“Every person is a piece of the puzzle that makes us a United family. Reach out and give a helping hand to everyone. All hearts can be mended with words of affirmation.”
— Jami Davis
