08/14/2026
Hi everyone,
I wanted to let you know that Monday, August 17 will be my final Art in Meditation at the Manitou Art Center for the time being.
As many of you know, my father has been experiencing a decline in health due to ALS, and I have made the decision to return to Illinois to be with him and support my family during this time. This means I will be taking leave from my work at the MAC and pausing my practice as I make this transition.
My dad is the person who introduced me to music, to sound healing and many of you may already know this story. When I was little, growing up in Illinois, he would wake us up during lightning storms, and our family would build nests together on the living room floor. He would put an album on, and we would watch the lightning dance to the music.
He taught me that music can change a storm.
So it feels right to return to my roots now—to follow my heart and be by his side on this journey. He taught me about basking in sound, and he, along with my mom, inspired in me a lifelong love and study of music and art. In their pastimes - I watched my mom paint, my dad sculpt and tend bees. He is a retired pipe-fitter who is incredibly innovative. And one of the most compassionate humans I know.
It is an honor to be able to make this choice with him. Shortly after his diagnosis, I located the original vintage record player we listened to albums with and our plan when I return is to watch lightning dance to the music again.
Your friendship has made my life in Manitou so full, so this is not easy. I have lived in Colorado for twenty years and in Manitou Springs for sixteen of those years. This community has been a tremendous part of my life. One half of my heart is going to Illinois and one half is staying here with you.
Art in Meditation has been a particularly meaningful part of my time at the MAC. I am grateful for everyone who has joined me over the years, for our community supporting the MACH initiative and for the MACH grant. It has been a beautiful opportunity to slow down, create, listen, and share space together, and I have truly appreciated the community that has formed around it.
I would love for you to join me for one final evening of art, meditation, and connection on Monday, August 17, from 6:00–7:15 PM.
I am also grateful that Parker Otwell Roe will be continuing to guide Art in Meditation for the duration of 2026. I hope you will come this Monday and have an opportunity to connect with Parker as well. He is looking forward to meeting you.
The show in the Hagnauer Gallery is Heart Speak - the paintings of David Vincent (David Gonzales) a title that resonates so deeply at this time. Please visit David's website to learn more about his history and process: https://www.davidvgonzalesart.com/
If you are unable to attend on the 17th, I would love an opportunity to see you before I leave and will be at the MAC on the 30th from 11am-1pm for a gathering to connect one more time before my leave.
Thank you for being part of this with me. I have loved this journey with you.
You can sign up here - Walk-ins are always welcome.
https://www.manitouartcenter.org/event-6690749
❤️
With gratitude and music,
Steffany
