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