Join us on Tuesday, March 8, in the UWF Student Commons Auditorium (Bldg. 22) for an evening that combines a personal and reflective experience with an intellectual conversation around the spiritual, therapeutic and meditative uses of the labyrinth. From 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., attendees will also have the opportunity to walk a full-size canvas replica of the labyrinth at Notre Dame de Chartres (c. 1200) and experience a re-creation of that popular practice from the Middle Ages.
A reception will also be held outside on the patio from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. In addition to an expert panel discussion, the program will include performances in Gregorian chants by Isabelle Peterson and modern dance, with Swerve/dance company, directed by Lavonne French.
Labyrinth designs have been formed, inscribed and built for different purposes over millennia. Today, many turn to labyrinths as spiritual, therapeutic and/or meditative aids. In existence since prehistory, labyrinth designs gained a new meaning in classical Greece as the home of the Minotaur.
This installment of the Experience UWF Downtown Lecture Series will explore the history, use, and benefits of the labyrinth through time. Panelists will include Isabelle Peterson, UWF music alumna and director of music ministry at Nativity of Our Lord Parish; Eric Schade, LCSW and assistant clinical professor in the UWF Department of Social Work; Lavonne French, instructor of dance at Pensacola State College and co-director of SWERVE/dance; and Dr. Marie-Thérèse Champagne, associate professor of history. Dr. Jocelyn Evans, interim director of the UWF Kugelman Honors Program, will moderate the panel.
The full-size canvas replica of that labyrinth floor, housed in the UWF Student Commons, will be open for the public to walk on Sunday, March 6 (2 p.m.- 6 p.m.); Monday, March 7 (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.) and Tuesday, March 8 (9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.). The public is welcome to visit, walk the labyrinth, and experience for themselves the calm and meditative atmosphere.
March 8, Experience UWF Downtown
UWF Student Commons Auditorium (Bldg. 22)
Reception (Patio) - 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Labyrinth Walk - 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Program - 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. Though, seating is limited and will be offered on a first-come basis.
In advance of the event, guests are encouraged to walk the labyrinth. Walkers will be admitted to walk the labyrinth every 15 minutes, and no more than eight will be walking at the same time. The time it takes to walk the Labyrinth varies among individuals, but usually takes 15-20 minutes. No food and drink are allowed around or on the labyrinth.
To walk the labyrinth prior to the event, RSVP at https://forms.gle/My4EfTKG5y6VFZe96.
Thank you to the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast for their generous loan of the canvas labyrinth floor and to the students of EUH 3122, The High Middle Ages, for producing and facilitating the Labyrinth experience at UWF.
About the Series:
The Experience UWF Downtown Lecture Series is presented and sponsored by the UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and UWF Equity & Diversity. It is also funded in part, by the John C. Pace Symposium Series.
A well-fitted face covering should be worn in all shared indoor spaces. Face coverings are not required, however, the University, as well as the CDC, highly recommends the use of face coverings indoors.
For more information or questions, contact casshcommunications@uwf.edu or 850.474.3340.
