Labyrinth Master Class
April 18-20, 2008, in St. Louis
There are still places available -- limited to 20 people.
Being held at our home base, we showed the group how we make canvas labyrinths, as well as displaying many of our labyrinth-making tools. Everyone had hands-on experience in making labyrinth patterns in several different ways, working on the tables, the floor, the parking lot, and even the roof..
Left (above): Laying out a classical labyrinth in small scale using the innovative five-stake method developed by Robert Ferre.
Left (below): We had plenty of room in our 8,000 square foot studio. (See studio.)
.An email from a participant:
"Dear Robert and Judy, S--- and I would like to thank both of you
for a
most wonderful, informative labyrinth training. The weekend was very
helpful to us in terms of clarifying questions and problems we were
having in the design, as well as all of the new information presented.
Your books, Robert, will be invaluable in the process of creating our
labyrinth(s)! We look forward to a time when we might see you again
in your St. Louis studio, or perhaps, have you consult for us."
.
.
TRAINING DESCRIPTION
No one has the depth and range of experience in building labyrinths that we have at Labyrinth Enterprises. When I do my facilitator trainings, the favorite part for most people is the opportunity to learn how to make labyrinths. It's my favorite part, too. So, I have decided to offer a seminar exclusively about making labyrinths, to be held in our St. Louis studio. The cost is $250, with participation restricted to 20 people. Come join us, and learn to be a competant labyrinth maker.
The program takes place Saturday and Sunday. Since many people will arrive on Friday afternoon, we will have a get together at the studio on Friday evening, at which Robert will talk about his life as a labyrinth maker. The lodging is not within walking distance. Perhaps participants can coordinate so that they can share the use of a rental car.
The seminar will cover all aspects of labrinth making, including geometry, materials, costs, tools, and how to work with institutions. The instruction will cover the basics quickly, and advance to levels that would be appropriate for experienced labyrinth workers. So, beginners are welcomed, but must understand that we will zip right along in our teaching. There will be canvas labyrinths under production in the studio during the seminar, for participants to observe. Presentations will include PowerPoint and show-and-tell (various tools and techniques). If you love labyrinths and want to make more of them, this is definitely the training for you.
REGISTRATION: Send your relevant information by email to Robert or print out this form and send it by mailor fax. Registration Form (pdf)
TYPICAL SCHEDULE
Friday
p.m.. . . For those arriving in the afternoon, visiting the studio
earlier is appropriate. Or, you can visit labyrinths in the area.
7:00. . . Social time at the studio, introductions, looking at
displays.
8 - 9. . . Presentation: The life of a labyrinth maker. Reflections
by Robert on 11 years as a labyrinth maker.
Saturday
Please arrive having already eaten breakfast. Coffee, juice,
and donuts will be provided.
8:30 - 10. . . The geometry and construction of classical labyrinths.
10:30 - 12. . .Demonstration of canvas labyrinth making, including
tools and techniques. Given by Judy Hopen, our studio manager, who may
have personally drawn and painted more labyrinths than anyone in history.
12 - 1 . . . Catered lunch provided.
1-2:30 . . .Contemporary labyrinths. Photos and discussion about
materials, costs, and important considerations when making labyrinths.
3 - 4:30 . . Practice time. Hands-on experiencing drawing and making
labyrinths from various materials including masking tape, canvas, stones,
Post-Its, washers, etc.
5 - 5:30 . . . Completing the day, questions and answers, sharing.
Dinner . . . On your own. Many excellent places near-by.
8 p.m.. . . Unscheduled time. If people want to do more, or want
to network, the studio will be available. We can discuss your projects,
give our suggestions. We will stay as long as people are interested.
Sunday
8:30 - 10 . . . The geometry and construction of the Chartres
labyrinth.
10:30 - 12 . . . Hands-on experience making actual labyrinths from
a variety of materials.
12-1 . . . Catered lunch provided
1-2:30 . . . Discussing the practical side of being a labyrinth
builder, including how to work with institutions, how to be a consultant,
and more. If you want to get a labyrinth at your church or hospital, or
you want to offer to others your expertise as a labyrinth person, this
will be very helpful information.
3:-4:30 . . . Unscheduled time. This will be determined by the
group.
4:30 . . . Closing circle. Then return to your life, confident
in your ability to make labyrinths.
LODGING
HOUSING AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION
.
St. Louis is not a difficult place for getting around. Our studio is located
in the southern part of the city of St. Louis itself, generally called
South St. Louis. Four major interstate highways meet in downtown: I-44,
I-64, I-55, and I-70. We are just a few miles from downtown. Our studio
address is 2725 South Jefferson Avenue, which is 100 yards south of the
intersection with Gravois Avenue, just below the star in the map (west
side of street). The building was built in 1885. We have the upstairs,
which, I regret to say, has no elevator and so is not handicapped accessible.
Housing choices include everything that is downtown, as well as Lafayette Square and Soulard. Modest hotels cost in the $100-$125 range, with B&B's being about the same. Near the airport, west of this map (20 to 25 minute drive) there are numerous low cost motels in the $59 range. On the Internet, www.hotels.com has discounted rates, although there is a penalty for cancelling.
Special Price
I have blocked off some rooms at a special rate at a Holiday Inn Express,
which is the closest lodging to the studio (still not walking distance
-- about two miles). Their Internet link is http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/stljf?rpb=
hotel&crUrl=/h/d/hi/1/en/hotelsearchresults. The address
is 2625 Lafayette Drive, St. Louis. The local number is 314-773-6500.
It is at the northeast corner of the intersection of highway I-44 and
Jefferson Avenue, behind the gas station. They offer free breakfast and
have a pool as well as free Internet. I don't know if you can register
through the national 800 number or website and still get our rate. The
usual rate is $95, so it should be a little less. Be sure to mention Labyrinth
Enterprises.
If you don't like hotels, there are two bed and breakfasts fairly close. They get booked up quickly, however. Rates are around $120 per night
Park Avenue Mansion (Lafayette Park): 314-588-9004
Casa Magnolia (Tower Grove Park): 314-664-8702
Labyrinth Enterprises Office
(mailing address – send registration here or by email)
128 Slocum Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119
Tel: (800) 873-9873 and (314) 968-5557
Fax: (888) 873-9873 and (314) 968-5539
Labyrinth Enterprises Studio (training
location)
2725 S. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118
Tel: (314) 865-1988
.