Art Centre Labyrinth now welcoming visitors!!!

BICAS Labyrinth now welcoming visitors!!!

BICAS Labyrinth now welcoming visitors!!! We are delighted to announce that the BICAS Labyrinth is now open for visitors one week before the Official Opening on Saturday 5 November at 1 pm.  There are still a few things to do before the opening, but the basic labyrinth is now available for all to enjoy. Two great events at the Centre this weekend so it is a great time to drop in and have a pre-opening exploration of the Labyrinth.  'Beneath the Bark', the annual exhibition by the Bribie Woodworkers Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm, The monthly Art Centre Vibe  Markets Sunday from 8:30 am to 1 pm featuring the Vibe Cafe offering breakfasts, morning tea and lunch with lots of vegan alternatives.  The boundary rope of the Labyrinth has been moved closer to the Labyrinth for the Markets, but will be returned to its normal position close to the Ring Road after the markets (and all BICAS Markets).  The labyrinth is accessible through the Arts Centre Gift hours when the Centre is open (10 - 4 Tuesday to Sunday), or by following the Ring Road (turn left) around during daylight hours any day and you will find the Labyrinth with its bright red Welcome sign and seating on your right. Don't forget the Grand Opening of the Labyrinth and Joyce Newell's 70th Birthday Celebration on Saturday 5 November at 1 pm in the Courtyard of the Arts Centre.  (details can be found here ).  Please RSVP by replying to this email if you are able to come, or just come if your plans change at the last moment.  Bring something to share for lunch.

Exciting new labyrinth opening at the Arts Centre - a general overview.

I wrote the following as a press release - and to get a short overview of the labyrinth in one place

An exciting and innovative project has been happening under the banksia trees next to the Bribie Island Arts Centre this month. Joyce Newell and a small team of enthusiastic helpers have been creating a meandering labyrinth out of donated bricks that twists and turns through the banksia woodland beside the Arts Centre and ends at a peaceful circle with comfortable seating.

To our modern eyes used to speed and efficiency, such meandering pathways appear to be designed to confuse, frustrate and annoy by leading people along an inefficient and time-wasting route for no material reward. However, for many people, walking a labyrinth has the completely opposite effect. Walking the labyrinth brings out child-like senses of fun, wonder, curiosity and joy in people of all ages. In addition, when one walks thoughtfully and patiently, the walk can be a powerful way to stimulate creativity, answer difficult questions, and to begin looking at the world differently.

The BICAS Labyrinth has a special unique feature. The end circle is a peaceful, shady spot where one can sit and contemplate, or visit with friends. Here the walkers can explore a treasure chest containing a visitors book, ideas for interesting games and activities related to the labyrinth, and information on activities available in the Arts Centre and the neighbouring Gem and Woodworking Groups.

Stage 2 of the labyrinth (in 2017) will involve adding artwork to the labyrinth, and discovering, writing, and illustrating the stories it has to tell. These books will be available in the treasure chest for walkers to enjoy. The treasure chest will also house a geocache, linking the labyrinth to the world-wide network of geocaches (see www.geocaching.com). There will also be a wheely-walker-friendly path to reach the end circle so those unable to walk the whole path can still enjoy the special surroundings.

The Opening Celebration of Stage 1 of the BICAS Labyrinth will be held at the Arts Centre on Saturday 5 November at 1 pm, and will feature a group walk through the labyrinth. Everyone is welcome – please bring lunch to share. The celebration is also a 70^th birthday celebration for Joyce Newell, the main designer of the labyrinth. For further information contact Joyce 0439 329 334 or visit bribielabyrinthproject.blogspot.com.

As an addendum:  

Archaeological records show labyrinths engraved on rocks and constructed with stones have been made by man since 30,000 BCE. In recent centuries labyrinths have been built in churches to support spiritual rituals, and more recently in many schools, hospitals and parks as places of relaxation and enjoyment. ref: http://library.ciis.edu/resources/subject/archmyth.asp

 

Invitation to Opening Celebration November 5 1 pm

BICAS Labyrinth Week 3 Goals

View this email in your browser

Labyrinth Building Month Week 3 Work times - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 7 am to 10 am  All helpers welcome for even just a few minutes. We have made very good progress this second working week with all the bricks set into the ground, mortar under about two thirds of them and mortaring between the bricks well started.  Thanks to all those who actively helped - and to the many  who are supporting the project in the background.   Goals for Week 3 1. To finish putting mortar under and between the bricks, and push the sand back to fill in beside the bricks. 2. To spray paint the benches for the central circle zen red! Date to remember - Grand Opening and Joyce's 70th Birthday Party Saturday 5 November 1 pm - shared lunch Please let us know if you are able to join us in this celebration. Any questions  contact Joyce 0439 329 334  3408 7743 or visit bribielabyrinthproject.blogspot.com.au See you there - all help and curious visitors welcome

Help needed to set bricks in place

Week 2 starting Sunday 9 October   Work times - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 7 am to 10 am Help needed - especially Sunday Almost all of the bricks are now in place, and the next stage is to dig a trench so the bricks sit just below ground level, then to put mortar under them.   We need people to dig the shallow trench (easy digging in Bribie sand), to mix mortar, and to use it to set the bricks in place. Helpers need to be comfortable working sitting on the ground, and/or digging - and since this excludes quite a few of our potential helpers - if you can help, your help would be particularly appreciated.  Many hands make light work.  If possible, bring gloves, a trowel, secateurs, a favorite shovel if you have one - and your sense of fun and adventure. Hopefully by the end of the week, we will have all the bricks in place, and may have time to think about decorative details. Progress report Thanks to all the angels who delivered bricks just when we needed them.  It has been an exciting week!   Overview of part of the site with bricks laid out on surface   First bricks in ground - still need mortar underneath to hold in place. Date to remember - Grand Opening and Joyce's 70th Birthday Party Saturday 5 November 1 pm - shared lunch Any questions  contact Joyce 0439 329 334  3408 7743 or visit http://bribielabyrinthproject.blogspot.com.au/ See you there - all helpers and visitors welcome

Week 1 Plans BICAS Labyrinth Construction

Week 1 Plans BICAS Labyrinth Construction

Welcome to October, and BICAS Labyrinth Building Month!!   Week 1 starting Sunday 2 October Work times - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 7 am to 10 am Goals for the Week and Help Needed 1. Put up rope to define labyrinth area - and to keep cars from parking on labyrinth -  Painting hardwood sticks for supporting rope, and laying out rope. 2. Colouring 'No Parking Labyrinth Area' signs and hanging them on the rope. 3. Making a larger temporary sign to explain what is happening! 4. Laying out labyrinth in rope. 5. Picking up bricks from Ningi and Bellmere (probably on Saturday Oct 8) - a heavy duty trailer or utility would be helpful. Date to remember - Grand Opening and Joyce's 70th Birthday Party Saturday 5 November 1 pm - shared lunch Any questions  contact Joyce 0439 329 334  3408 7743 See you there - all help and curious visitors welcome