Make your own hand-printed prayer flag with visiting artist Marie Catrett

On Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer, Artschmart is open from 10-1 with playful art machines and a drop-in art exploration for kids and adults (recommended ages 5 and up)

about Marie’s Prayer Flags project:

It is with gratitude and respect that this project draws inspiration
from the cultural practice of Tibetan prayer flags. Prayer flags are a
visual representation of Buddhist principles and prayers.
The Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the
wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading
space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to be a way to benefit all
beings and bring peace and well-being to the world. The flags are
typically imprinted with mantras, sacred symbols, and depictions
of powerful animals, all contributing to the overall message of
compassion and enlightenment.
The center of a prayer flag traditionally features a lung ta
(powerful or strong horse). By hanging flags in high places the
Lung ta will carry the blessings depicted on the flags to all beings.
As wind passes over the surface of the flags, which are sensitive to
the slightest movement of the wind, the air is purified and
sanctified by the mantras.
The prayers of a flag become a permanent part of the universe as
the images fade from exposure to the elements. Just as life moves
on and is replaced by new life, Tibetans renew their hopes for the
world by continually mounting new flags alongside the old. This
act symbolizes a welcoming of life's changes and an
acknowledgment that all beings are part of a greater ongoing cycle

About the artist:

Marie Catrett is an artist and early childhood educator (as well as Nicole’s big sister and life-long collaborator) whose past work includes tiny chickens and a whimsical world that fits inside of a ukulele case.