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Maezumi Institute: Overview: Center for the Arts (MICA)

Graphic depiction of the House of One People
Maezumi Institute's House of One People in Montague, Ma. is the Main Venue for the Center for the Arts.

Overview

The Maezumi Institute's new Center for the Arts, known as MICA, celebrates and cultivates the art of expression. Offering ongoing cultural events and in-depth training with Master artists, we draw upon the full spectrum of artistic techniques to realize authentic expression.

Programming- Where Peacemaking Meets Art

The Center for the Arts, MICA, creates programs based on an understanding that authentic expression is grounded in a spontaneous connection to the present moment, where fixed ideas of ourselves and others are given up to enable us to respond freely. Our programming shifts to meet the needs and interests of our time, bridging the past and future and existing at the intersection of peacemaking and art. Ranging from Traditional Eastern Arts, such as Calligraphy and Kirtan, to Modern Dance and Film Studies, the Performing Art Center's programs create a path of artistic expression based in relevancy and liberation.

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Krishna Das

Sample Programs

  • Film Studies: Learn about the art of film from leading film-makers and actors such as Jeff Bridges and Ellen Burstyn
  • Calligraphy with Kazuaki Tanahashi
  • Sufi Dancing with Zuleikha
  • Kirtan with Krishna Das
  • Ellen Burstyn: Master Acting Class & Readings of Sacred Poetry
  • Clowning with Mr. YooWho
  • Local Talent Shows
  • Zen Study and Poetry Writing
  • Multi-media Representations of Buddhist Teachings
  • Writing and Producing Plays on the Gate of Sweet Nectar and Vimalakirti Sutra
  • Being Buddhism: Role-playing Contemporary Conflict Using Buddhist Principles and Teachings

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Mr. YooWho

Facilities

The House of One People

The House of One People was born out of a rustic dairy barn. Built at the turn of the century in the post and beam tradition, the staid old barn provides the aesthetic and spiritual base for the genesis of a contemporary architectural delight. It contains a spectacular Main Hall, as well as the offices for the Maezumi Institute and Zen Peacemakers staff. The center also includes three Conference Rooms, an upper mezzanine, meeting rooms and sacred spaces.

The sacred main hall functions as a gathering and welcoming hall, a performance area, or a communal celebration space, this hall - some 2025 square feet, has a 45-foot ceiling at the peak. The east wall encloses a circular window that broadcasts the light of the rising sun, and woodwork of the oldest part of the barn, judged to be late 1700's, is of hand-hewn chestnut: contiguous cross beams (8” x 8”) cut and shaped by hand, span the fort-five foot expanse, speaking to the immensity of the trees they were cut from.

Extending out from the rear of the building, the stone paved Courtyard incorporates a geometric pattern. Built-in stone benches sculpt the space, inviting users to meet, eat lunch, take a break and chat with friends. Beautiful deciduous trees provide shade to the courtyard in the summer, while allowing sunlight and warmth in winter.

The Ellen Burstyn Amphitheater

The principles of simplicity, beauty and longevity grace the landscape of a fitting, living tribute to a woman who has dedicated a lifetime to the joy-and, sometimes, the anguish-of creative expression. The Ellen Burstyn Amphitheater is located close to the heart of the campus. The Amphitheater will be made from terraces sculpted into the hillside and will be the main stage for cultural and artistic performances.

With an audience of 350 people, it is the ideal space for cultural and artistic performances. Actors understand only too well the need for a welcoming, versatile space. The Burstyn Amphitheater will not only be a meeting place of cultures, minds and spirits, but also an intersection for peacemaking and the arts.

General Contact Information:

Maezumi Institute Info
Maezumi Institute's Center for the Arts (MICA)
Phone: 413 367-2080, ext. 4#
Fax: 413 367-2065
email: mi_info@zenpeacemakers.org


177 Ripley Road | Montague, MA 01351 | Phone: (413) 367-2080 | 2007 Zen Peacemakers