Evergreen Residents' Mandalas on Display

Evergreen resident Pamela Stein likes to work with mosaics because it involves taking something that was broken and turning it into part of something new.

“What I love about it is putting broken pieces together and making them into something beautiful,” Stein said.

And with Stein’s help, some Evergreen residents got to experience that joy. And now their work is on display at the Evergreen coffee shop.

About four weeks ago, Stein gathered her neighbors in her back yard and asked them questions such as “What does peace mean to you?” And then she let them use shards of broken pots, plates and other material to make their mandalas as a meditation on the topic of peace.  

Mandalas are art projects traditionally used by Buddhist monks as a means of meditation. Stein said the project was a hit with residents, who ranged in age from children to senior citizens.

“Thank you for just letting me be creative. I feel so centered and good doing this art,” Stein said an adult resident told her.

Stein, who ran the art program at Healthcare for the Homeless for 14 years before leaving to stay at home with her three small children, said she believes that projects, such as making the mandalas, are more than just an art project, but are a way of building community. Stein said she also liked developing the projects with her neighbors because it keeps her involved with using art to help build community.

"It's a way for me to keep doing art while I'm at home," Stein said.

The projects were unveiled two weeks ago at the Evergreen community’s fall festival. They’ll be on display at The Evergreen Cafe through the end of October.

She said displaying the mandalas helps foster self esteem and connects the community. 

"I thought how perfect for the community to come down here and marvel at the work," Stein said.