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Unlocking the Ethereal Realm: The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, a Sanctuary for Visionary Art

2024-11-01

Nestled in the serene forests of Wappingers Falls, just a short drive from the bustling Poughkeepsie Galleria, lies a sanctuary of visionary art – the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (CoSM). This unique museum and legally recognized church celebrates the power of art to transcend the physical realm and connect us to the divine.

Unveiling the Mystical Realm of Visionary Art

A Sanctuary for Spiritual Renewal

The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors is more than just a museum; it is a place of profound spiritual exploration. Founded by artists Alex and Allyson Grey, CoSM is a 40-acre campus that serves as a hub for visionary art, hosting a diverse array of exhibitions, workshops, and lunar celebrations. The campus features a Victorian house with guest rooms, a dining hall, a gift shop, and the centerpiece – Entheon, a 12,000-square-foot exhibition space that opened in 2022.

Bridging the Divide: Psychedelics and Spirituality

The Greys' personal journey with psychedelics has deeply influenced their artistic vision and the mission of CoSM. They believe that these substances can unlock the door to a sacred, ethereal dimension, allowing individuals to connect with the divine in a profound way. While some may be skeptical of their methods, the Greys maintain that the power of visionary art transcends the means of its creation, offering a universal language of spirituality.

The Greys' Artistic Legacy

At the heart of CoSM is the prolific artistic output of Alex and Allyson Grey. Alex's vibrant paintings often feature geometric radiation, X-ray-like bodies, and fantastical narrative imagery, while Allyson's more abstract creations explore the interplay of order and chaos through kaleidoscopic geometry. Their work has become a fundamental part of the visual language of modern psychedelic culture, gracing album covers and festival stages around the world.

The Sacred Mirrors Series

The centerpiece of CoSM is the Sacred Mirrors series, a collection of 21 ornately framed paintings that depict life-size figures in various states of existence. The Greys had a shared vision of these paintings as a "sanctuary for spiritual renewal through contemplation of transformative art." The current chapel on the top floor of Entheon serves as the temporary home for this captivating series, with plans for a grand circular temple to be built on the CoSM grounds in the future.

Entheon: A Visionary Art Sanctuary

Stepping into Entheon, visitors are immediately immersed in a world of visionary art. The All One Gallery features a rotating collection of works by established and emerging artists, including the arresting colors and textures of paintings by the late Ernst Fuchs, considered the father of the visionary art movement, and the slick psychedelic sculptures of Ryan Tottle, an Oscar-winning Disney animator.

Exploring the Psychedelic Reliquary

Deeper into Entheon, the Psychedelic Reliquary serves as an altar to the scientists, researchers, and philosophers who have shaped the history of psychedelics. Visitors can find relics from across the timeline of psychedelic exploration, including 4,000-year-old mushroom eater sculptures and even some of Timothy Leary's ashes.

A Collaborative Vision

While the Greys are the figureheads of CoSM, their goal is to encourage people to build fellowship and collaborate in the creation of this visionary art sanctuary. Allyson emphasizes that CoSM is a "social sculpture," where the experiences and contributions of all visitors are welcomed and celebrated.As visitors journey through the captivating spaces of the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, they are invited to immerse themselves in the transformative power of visionary art, to connect with the divine, and to become part of a community that celebrates the boundless creativity of the human spirit.

The University of Redlands Town & Gown is thrilled to announce the debut of its brand-new holiday production, "Home for the Holidays." This enchanting celebration of the season will take place at the historic Burrage Mansion, offering a truly magical experience for the whole family.

Immerse Yourself in the Spirit of the Season

A Festive Celebration of the Holidays

Tickets are now available for this highly anticipated event, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024. With a second show already sold out on December 21, it's clear that the local community is eager to experience the magic of "Home for the Holidays." This festive celebration will feature a cast of 50 individuals, including Redlands locals portraying Santa's Elves and Reindeer, as well as talented students from the University of Redlands. The evening's festivities will be further enhanced by a special guest appearance from the university's Mariachi Tierras Rojas, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

A Dinner Theatre-Style Extravaganza

Guests attending "Home for the Holidays" will be treated to an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer. The event will feature a delightful array of appetizers, champagne, a three-course dinner, and drinks, all served during the special dinner theatre-style show. This unique format promises to immerse attendees in the spirit of the season, creating a truly memorable experience.

Supporting Performing Arts Scholarships

The University of Redlands is committed to nurturing the talents of its performing arts students, and all proceeds from the "Home for the Holidays" event will go towards supporting scholarships for the School of Performing Arts. This initiative not only celebrates the holiday season but also invests in the future of the arts, ensuring that talented students have the resources they need to pursue their passions.

A Talented Cast of Performers

The cast of "Home for the Holidays" is truly exceptional, featuring a lineup of accomplished principals. Hilary Maiberger, who has starred as Belle in Disney's national touring production of "Beauty and the Beast" and taken on lead roles in "Mary Poppins" and "The Little Mermaid" at the Redlands Bowl, will grace the stage. Joining her are Maddie Slota, Jazmine Tanzy, Peter Tupou, Luca Davidorf, Stephen Van Dorn, and Alejandro Ruiz, all of whom bring their own unique talents to the production.

A Familiar Face as Santa Claus

Adding to the festive atmosphere, City of Redlands Treasurer Phil Doolittle, a University of Redlands alumnus, will take on the role of Santa Claus. This familiar face from the community will undoubtedly delight and enchant the audience, further enhancing the magic of the evening.

A Spectacular Setting for a Magical Evening

The historic Burrage Mansion, with its stunning architecture and elegant ambiance, provides the perfect backdrop for this enchanting holiday celebration. Guests will be transported to a world of Christmas wonder, surrounded by the grandeur of this iconic Redlands landmark.

Securing Your Tickets for an Unforgettable Experience

With the overwhelming demand for tickets, it's clear that the local community is eager to experience the magic of "Home for the Holidays." Shelli Stockton, the University of Redlands Director of Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement, encourages early ticket purchases, as availability is limited. Interested individuals can visit redlands.edu/HomeForTheHolidays or email shelli_stockton@redlands.edu to secure their spot for this unforgettable event.

The University of Redlands Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to present "Real Women Have Curves," a captivating play that explores the lives of five full-figured Mexican-American women working in a sewing factory in East LA. This body-positive, coming-of-age story delves into the complexities of culture, the power of women, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Empowering Stories of Resilience and Self-Discovery

Navigating the Challenges of the Latina Immigrant Experience

The play serves as a microcosm of the Latina immigrant experience, offering a glimpse into the lives of these women as they navigate the challenges of their work and personal lives. Set against the backdrop of a struggling sewing factory, the story follows the characters as they race to meet impossible production deadlines, fighting to keep their livelihood afloat. Through this lens, the play explores the nuances of cultural identity, the weight of societal expectations, and the resilience required to forge one's own path.

Celebrating the Beauty and Strength of Real Women's Bodies

At the heart of the play is a celebration of real women's bodies and the power they possess. The characters, who defy traditional beauty standards, are unapologetic in their self-acceptance and embrace of their curves. This body-positive narrative challenges the narrow definitions of beauty, empowering audiences to redefine what it means to be a "real woman."

The Transformative Power of Sisterhood and Solidarity

As the story unfolds, the audience witnesses the incredible bond that forms between the women as they work together. Despite their initial differences and tensions, they ultimately come to appreciate and support one another, forging a deep sense of community and solidarity. This exploration of the power of women working together serves as a testament to the transformative potential of female empowerment.

The Pursuit of the American Dream and the Struggle for Self-Actualization

The play's protagonist, Ana, represents the aspirations and challenges of the younger generation of Latina immigrants. As she navigates the tension between her dreams of college and a writing career and the realities of her factory job, the audience is invited to consider the complexities of the American Dream and the ongoing struggle for self-actualization. Ana's journey of self-discovery and her evolving understanding of her co-workers' experiences offer a poignant commentary on the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.

A Celebration of Diverse Narratives and Perspectives

"Real Women Have Curves" stands as a powerful celebration of diverse narratives and perspectives. By centering the stories of Latina women, the play challenges the dominant cultural narratives and provides a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. This inclusive approach not only enriches the theatrical experience but also encourages audiences to expand their understanding of the human experience.