Come Home To Yourself Through Art with Instructor Mary Lynn Oertel

Class Description:
We can enjoy the beauty of art, sharpen our powers of observation, hone our critical thinking skills, and be stimulated by sparkling discussion as we appreciate creative genius before us. This interactive class teaches how to clarify our identities, ask salient questions, view art, and mix our life-wisdom with insights gained by deep looking. Join us as we engage our senses, listen to others’ observations, and feel our minds sparked by that AHA! moment when we happen upon a Big Truth! No experience in art is needed. We are all learning together. Refresh yourself with us, as we explore new horizons! Taught by instructor Mary Lynn Oertel.

Instructor Biography:
Mary Lynn Oertel is an educator, lecturer and curriculum developer with an M.A. in World Literature from Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, and a B.A. in English and French education from The University of Iowa. Her path has included K-12 education, English As A Second Language at Drake University’s International Center, Des Moines Area Community College, and GrandView University. Zen Buddhist  practice led her to study of gathas. She incorporates gatha-writing as a meditative practice and joy-bringer into her daily life. She sits zazen with Prairie Oaks Sangha, deriving pleasure from its collective wisdom. She has also been a participant with The New York  Zen Center For Contemplative Care. As a novice maker of art, she likes to work with charcoal, oil pastel chalk, acrylics and oil paints.She is currently learning both art and poetry from the Zen artist Jacqueline Kramer, affiliated with the Zen Peacemakers.

Fee Structure:

Price is $10 for members and $35 for non-members. All proceeds donated to the renovation of the Historic YWCA Building.