Grace Lutheran's Zentangle attracts 40

Two Zentangle classes the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Grace Lutheran Church of Waseca  invited folks to use art as a path to calm reflection. Taught by certified Zentangle teacher Diane Harpster, classes drew nearly 40 artists who took advantage of the church’s decision to provide the sessions free of charge and open to anyone interested.

 

Harpster observed that, as the Lenten season begins, church goers are invited to practice self-control and prayer. Practicing the Lenten holiday can be stressful and one way to relax, is to tangle.  

 

Because of the short list of supplies that were needed for each class, it was requested that everyone register first so there was an idea of how many supplies were needed. Those who showed up were handed baggies containing a pen, a pencil, a tortillon/blending stump and square of paper to draw on. Said Harpster, “Any fine point will do; all you really need is a piece of paper and something to draw with.” According to an online source: “Zentangle art was created in 2003 by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas as a meditative, structured drawing method accessible to everyone.”

 

Harpster doesn’t live in Waseca county, “I own a cabin up near Park Rapids. This is actually my first time in Waseca.” She was using some references from the book, “One Zentangle a Day” by Beckah Krahula. Said Harpster, “There are eight steps for attaining peace through tangle, 1. Breathe. 2. Slow down, be still and listen for what happens next.

 3. No mistakes in Zentangle, simply new opportunities. 4. Anything is possible, one stroke/mark at a time. 5. Be present in the moment, focusing on the mark you are making now. 5. You can do what you didn’t know you could do. 6. Begin and end in gratitude and appreciation. 7. Everyone is an artist, God’s beloved creation. We are created to create. Treat yourself and others as beloved ones of God. 8. No judgment or comparing-you are the only you there will ever be. Shine the light that only you can shine.”

 

After a short explanation Harpster told participants, “The only way to know it is to do it, so let’s get started.” She instructed everyone to get comfortable, and while they were doing that she added, “Stretch your shoulders, relax.” A few people around the room slid their shoes off under the tables, deep breaths were taken. She said a prayer of gratitude and told everyone to feel their paper, “Get a feel for the texture of the paper, then place a dot in each corner.” From there they were instructed to draw a line connecting the four dots, and so cheating a border. She told everyone, “This is not a race, everyone tangles at their own pace, so don’t be afraid to take your time.”

 

From inside the borders two more lines were drawn separating the space into three. Harpster added, “Pick one of the sections and begin drawing half moons along the lines. Then draw another half moon on top of that. Then draw another half moon on top of that until that section is full and you can’t draw anymore.”

 

There are hundreds of designs to choose from and many, many online videos presenting Zentangle with further instructions for anyone who would like to learn more.