Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo will open the Threads of Awakening Transformative Arts Studio at the Channel Islands Harbor in southern California on February 22, 2014. Sacred art, laughter yoga, Buddhist films, and transformative workshops will be offered in an intimate space for small groups.

Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo prepares to open the Threads of Awakening Transformative Arts Studio in Channel Islands Harbor, California

A new transformational arts studio is about to open at the Channel Islands Harbor in southern California. Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo has long dreamed of having a place where she could not only stitch sacred silk thangkas but also meet with patrons, collectors, and people interested in learning about Tibetan art. The Threads of Awakening Transformative Arts Studio will be just such a place, and more.

In addition to making and showing thangkas there, Leslie will also lead Stitching Buddhas workshops and retreats to complement her online teaching program. This will be the only place outside of Asia where the ancient art of Tibetan appliqué is taught — and in English!

“I’ve been working in a home studio for years, stitching thangkas with a cat in my lap,” explained Leslie. “In many ways, it’s been ideal — tranquil, solitary, focused. But when people ask where they can see my work, I haven’t had an easy answer outside of special exhibition periods. Now, I’ll have a warm and inviting place to receive guests and share my transformative work at any time.”

Watch as Leslie gives you a glimpse of the new studio!

Fabric thangkas, like thangka paintings and all Tibetan art, are designed to help people awaken to their true nature. Yes, they’re beautiful to look at too! But their primary function is to support transformation and awakening. And Leslie has always had a passion for transformative experiences.

The Threads of Awakening Transformative Arts Studio will host a variety of workshops and activities aimed at personal transformation and spiritual awakening. Many but not all of these workshops will take an artistic (or at least a creative) approach.

Prospective workshop leaders include master thangka painter Kalsang Dawa, liberated life consultant Maia Duerr, authentic expression coach Michelle Barry Franco and many others. Buddhist films and laughter workouts will also take place.

Studio memberships will be offered for those who want to support the preservation, documentation, transmission, and evolution of the sacred Tibetan Appliqué tradition and help sustain operations of the Transformative Arts Studio and the Stitching Buddhas Virtual Apprentice Program. Studio members will receive discounts on workshops as well as free admission to films and laughter workouts.

The Threads of Awakening Transformative Arts Studio will open on February 22, 2014. Event details are still in development. Contact Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo by email to find out more.