Voices from the Land Workshop and Retreat
August 22-24, 2024
Rise Above Guest House, Hastings Highlands, Ontario, Canada
Rise Above Guest House is pleased to host this award winning Workshop opportunity “Voices from the Land” led by renowned Educator, Erik Mollenhauer.
Intimate connection with the land, over the course of the workshop, moves through three phases:
- discovery,
- creation, and
- expression.
Raw materials become art, and then become language through poetry and performance. All of this unfolds through the community of participants under Erik’s guidance as we interact with each other and the Land. Full details below.
Costs – range from $320 – $425 for the 2 day workshop, Voices Booklet, and meals and various accommodation options with bonus programming and a contribution to Ontario Nature.
Details below.
“Voices from the Land”: Exploring Landscape and Language, Art and Culture
“Voices from the Land” is a creative process that encourages participants to explore the connection
between nature, art, language and culture.
The Voices process is standards-based and experiential. Voices builds “community” among people of
different backgrounds, ages and abilities; social and emotional learning are integral to the process.
Communication, speaking and listening skills, compromise and respect are essential elements.
A Voices experience:
Phase 1:
We begin outdoors in small groups of people (3-4 per group) which explore a natural area: a meadow, stream or forest. As the Voices process unfolds, each group selects part of the site that “speaks” to them.
Guided by principles of art, groups create art from natural materials found on-site: leaves, sticks, stones, mud or water.
After completing their art, the groups share their art with other groups.
Phase 2:
Oral language captured during this first phase becomes raw material for the next phase, where groups
use written language to create poetry.
Phase 3:
Groups use performance art to re-cast their poems into performance poetry, which they share with other groups.
Digital photography documents the Voices process, allowing participants to create posters/books that showcase their work.
Voices has been used in schools across the US, Canada and Europe, with groups ranging from pre-school
to adult, and special-needs. Educator Erik Mollenhauer (Voices originator) will facilitate this
hands-on workshop along with his wife Kristina. For Erik’s Bio click here In 2018, Voices was recognized as “Project of the Year” by Virginia Master
Naturalists for its effectiveness.
Testimonials
“Filled with practical ideas… presented by a team that inspired, transformed and honored our intentions.”
“I was inspired and reminded how important it is to foster the voice and gifts of each individual.”
“An amazing experience that broadened my perspective… all of us are artists, poets, performers…”
“A respectful, engaging learning experience. I feel lucky to have been to this special place… a sacred place.”
Details
Register early, spots are limited!
Registration deadline: May 24, 2024
The Voices workshop itself begins Friday, August 23 at 9 a.m. and ends by 2
p.m. Saturday. See Agenda Here.
Participants are strongly encouraged to arrive Thursday, August 22 by 5 pm and receive dinner followed by a
a special evening program “Through the Dragon’s Mouth – Secrets of
the Night Sky,” also led by Erik Mollenhauer.
Where: Rise Above Guest House: 470 East Road Loop, Bancroft, Ontario, Canada, K0L 1C0
Cost per person includes: Workshop & Voices Booklet and meals, (Thursday dinner until Saturday noon) and various accommodation options. See below.
With Accommodations
– Onsite Rooms or Cabins: $425 based on 2 nights and shared occupancy.
– Onsite Camping : $320 plus $30/night for your tent
Commuter Fee: $320 (we can provide suggestions for alternate accommodation)
You are welcome to stay longer. Marilyn and Svinda, hosts of Rise Above Guest House, will offer Wild Church or Guided Forest Bathing Sunday morning August 25. Please indicate your desired length of stay and your preference for Wild Church or Guided Forest Bathing in the comment section in the booking form. Additional fees will apply.
All fees subject to 8% service fee unless paying by e-transfer or cheque (Make cheques payable to Rise Above Guest House and mail to 470 East Road Loop, Bancroft, Ontario, K0L 1C0. e-transfer to info@riseaboveguesthouse.ca)
We have been able to keep the costs reasonably low because Erik is generously donating his time and so a portion of your registration will be given to Ontario Nature.
Register early, spots are limited!
Registration deadline: May 24, 2024
Testimonials
“Filled with practical ideas… presented by a team that
inspired, transformed and honored our intentions.”
“I was inspired and reminded how important it is to foster the
voice and gifts of each individual.”
“An amazing experience that broadened my perspective… all
of us are artists, poets, performers…”
“A respectful, engaging learning experience. I feel lucky to
have been to this special place… a sacred place.”
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