Activities at
the Sages Arts Center
The Sages Arts Center at Sunrise Springs is a center for contemplative arts and practices, drawing on ancient traditions from the east such as Chado (Japanese tea ceremony), Tai Chi, Yoga, and Raku Ceramics.
The Japanese Tea House, the Raku Pottery Studio, the teaching kitchen, and the Archetype Gallery, which showcases the work of local fine artists, are all part of the Sages Arts Center. The Clouds Studio, where our Tai Chi and Yoga classes are taught, is located on the second floor with lovely views of the Tea Gardens. A large room with a warm cherry wood floor, the studio also hosts larger tea gatherings and demonstrations.
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ART STUDIO AND RAKU CLAY WORKSHOP
In our fully stocked Art Studio, we offer clay handbuilding, Chinese brushwork and Raku glazing and firing. Its low fire technique is prized for both the immediacy of the firing experience, and because of the low conductivity of heat - so useful in tea bowls for Tea Ceremony.
Glazing Stoneware Teacups, Hand Building Stoneware & Personalized Chop (Stamp)
Wednesday and Thursday: 10:30 AM –12:30 PM and 1:30 –3:30 PM
Learn the very simple process of painting and glazing already thrown and bisque fired teacups.
Our clay artist will guide you in creating simple, yet elegant, trays, lanterns and Ikebana bowls. You will also have the opportunity to try your hand at painting a design on your piece that, when fired, will create the striking effect of mat black brushwork on the white stoneware. Enjoy the creative and meditative process of identifying a personal symbol to be used in making a simple stamp or chop from clay. This personalized chop is used as a stamp in place of a signature on artwork, poetry or anything that might be signed by the artist.
Brushwork on Scrolls
Wednesday and Thursday: 10:30 AM –12:30 PM and 1:30 –3:30 PM
Learning and practicing basic brush strokes on newsprint, you will translate your final work onto a beautiful handmade scroll that can be signed with a personal chop and rolled up into a very portable and satisfying creation.
Raku Pottery: Glazing & Firing and Hand Building
Friday and Saturday: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Clay Glazing and Firing is an excellent way to be introduced to Raku Pottery. You will be given a pre-made piece, which you can glaze and fire. Materials such as sawdust, leaves and horsehair are used as part of the firing process. Clay Hand Building is an opportunity to dig your hands in and work with clay to create your own unique piece. You can hand build, or if available, learn to use a clay wheel with direct supervision. Students may choose either activity or try both.
Clay Hand Building
Friday and Saturday, 1:30–3:30 PM
The Clay Hand Building class is an opportunity to dig your hands in and work with clay to create your own unique piece. During this class you can hand build, or if available, learn to use a clay wheel with direct supervision.
All art classes are $25 or $45 for both classes. Six class passes $125. Local's discounts available, please inquire. Private classes may be scheduled for other times with advance notice. Price includes all materials and up to 3 clay pieces. Each additional piece is $5. Shipping of finished pieces at an additional fee.
Inquire about Art Instruction
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YOGA
Yoga, an over 4,000 year-old tradition, is unique from simply stretching because it connects mind, body and breath. Toning the inner organs as well as developing awareness and coordination are some of the gifts that Yoga brings. Join us for these ongoing yoga classes in The Clouds Stuido.
AWAKE YOGA
Sunday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Surya Namaskar, Salutations to the Sun! Wake-up the body and soul in our gentle vinyasa inspired class. 45 minutes of graceful movement, followed by 15 minutes of morning meditation. Complimentary to all guests and visitors.
BALANCE YOGA
Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Find balance through proper breathing, exercise, and relaxation. Our traditional Hatha yoga practice begins with pranayama to ignite the flow of vital energy in the body, and then moves through a series of invigorating sun salutations and basic asanas. The class ends with guided deep relaxation.
ENERGY YOGA
Friday: 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Blending traditions and philosophies from both East and West, this class draws from the disciplines of yoga and aerobic conditioning. Use breath to focus the body as well as develop a deeper sense of strength and balance. Tone the body. Relax the mind.
Awake Yoga is complimentary to all guests and visitors. 1 public yoga class: $15.00; six class pass: $75.00. Local's discount available, please inquire. Our instructors welcome all levels. Private lessons or group sessions may be scheduled.
Inquire about Yoga Instruction
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TAI CHI
Saturdays 10:00 AM -11:15 AM
Tai Chi is a series of graceful movements, initially developed as a martial art form in China. As part of our Sages program, it is taught as a tool for reducing stress, improving health and life force, developing coordination and balance, harmonizing the masculine and feminine, and centering within.
$15.00 1 public Tai Chi class. Our instructor welcomes all levels.(Private lessons or group sessions may be scheduled)
Inquire about Tai Chi Instruction
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MEDITATION
The simple practice of meditation teaches us to relax, let go and enter the present moment - refreshed, renewed and ready to engage in life with new energy and understandings. Private custom meditation offerings are available for individuals and groups.
Private Custom Meditation: Please Call for Information and Reservations
The natural, contemplative setting of Sunrise Springs is the perfect place to cultivate a new meditation practice or refine your established practice. Explore different approaches to meditation with experienced teachers from diverse backgrounds and traditions.
Donna Thompson, MSW, is a therapist and meditation teacher. She is the author of The Vibrant Life, Simple Meditations to Use Your Energy Effectively.
Cynthia Jurs is a Buddhist teacher who received dharma transmission from Thich Nhat Hanh in 1994, authorizing her as a dharmacharya to teach meditation. She has been practicing in both the Zen and Tibetan Vajrayana traditions for almost 30 years.
Inquire about Meditation Instruction
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SUNRISE SPRINGS COOKING SCHOOL
Customized Cooking Classes with the Chefs of the Blue Heron Restaurant
Known for its regionally inspired cuisine with natural, organic and local ingredients, the Blue Heron Restaurant offers custom cooking classes for groups and individuals. Guests and visitors will have the opportunity to learn from the talented chefs of the Blue Heron Restaurant, under the direction of Executive Chef Eric Laslow. Chef Laslow brings years of culinary passion to the resort’s restaurant and cooking classes. His achievements include owner of the acclaimed Laslow’s Northwest, Malanga and Laslow’s Bistro, in Portland Oregon, as well as a frequent guest chef whose honors include the James Beard House, International Pinot Noir Celebration, and the Telluride Food and Wine Festival.
Sit back, relax, and sip wine as our chefs lead you through a demonstration class, or immerse yourself in an intensive hands-on class geared towards your tastes, desires, and skills. Choose from culinary favorites such as Composed salads and vinaigrettes, Southwestern Cooking, and Cuban, French, Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines.
Sample Class Offerings, and costs per person:
• Interactive Cooking Demonstration, followed by private dinner service: $125 -$150 per person
• 3 Course "Taste As You Cook" class: $75 per person
• Add Wine Pairings: $30-$40 per bottle
Per person prices include:
Sages Arts Center Kitchen & Tea Lobby rental; 2-3 hour cooking class designed to your specifications; copies of all recipes used in your event; Aroma Fair Trade coffee, tea and spring water
Note about pricing: Prices reflect averages for many of our cooking formats, and may vary depending on menu, time of day, and the number of guests. Please do not hesitate to ask, as we can customize for both format and budget. Prices do not include tax of gratuity.
Due to the high volume of requests for our customized classes at the Sunrise Springs Cooking School, we recommend 10 days or more advance notice to accommodate your preferred dates.
Inquire about Cooking Instruction
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THE ARCHETYPE GALLERY AND STORE
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Wednesday - Sunday
Encourage the contemplative arts in your life, by continuing the traditions at home. The Archetype Gallery and Store is a wonderful resource for supplies and collectibles, with beautiful textiles, singing bowls and Tangkas from Nepal, native New Mexican jewelry, hand crafted kimonos, religious figures and statues, folk art, antique tea bowls, books and music, art supplies, and timeless treasures, to cherish or purchase as gifts.
