CoSM blog

March Full Moon Ceremony

 

Alex sharing plans for Entheon.

March 30th, 2013 The March Full Moon festivities began with Evan Pritchard leading a Pre-Full Moon Workshop, “Hidden Between Earth and Sky", where he described the history of The Wappingers People, who were native to the land CoSM is now built on. Evan shared his knowledge on the “hidden in plain sight” culture of the Wappingers people, as well as place names, customs, plant uses, cosmology, beliefs, their relationship to Manitou (Great Spirit) and to the Land.  After the workshop, everyone settled into the library to hold a ceremony in honor of the Full Moon. In the spirit of Passover (Pesach), Allyson Grey shared the tradition of the Seder table and performed the ritual for all who attended. We also enjoyed a poetry performance by Fun Yung Moon, and a musical performance by Evan Pritchard. Later, we danced to the music of Cosmal and Kidimandi, and interacted over collaborative art making.

Allyson performing the Jewish Seder ritual in honor of Passover.

The prepared Seder table.

SeEvan Pritchard speaks before performing traditional songs on flute.

Fun Yung Moon sharing poetry.

Alex and Allyson speaking with guests in the library.

Ian Arremony live painting.

Guests exploring their creativity in a collective mandala.

Cosmal making music for guests to enjoy.

Juxtapoz Magazine Interview

 

Alex was featured in the latest edition of Juxtapoz magazine. To read the article online, please click here.    

 

 

 

 

 

Alex Grey Featured on the Joe Rogan Experience

May 2013 - Recently Alex & Allyson were on the Joe Rogan show to have a discussion and help promote Entheon. Click on link below for video.

 

JRE #359 - Alex Grey from JoeRogan on Vimeo.

Gratitude to the Vision Keepers

Our deepest gratitude to everyone who has backed our 37-day Entheon Kickstarter Campaign which ends at midnight Friday. Due to the masterful direction of Nick Kraz, premier filmmaker/videographer and Kickstarter campaign manager, the Entheon fundraiser met it's goal on day twenty-nine. With 45 hours to go at newsletter launch, we can report that the past month has been one exhilarating push and learning experience.

How do we transmit our inspired fervor to create a temple of visionary art, an experience that could be a legacy for our community? How do we ask others to help us make a vision a reality? It takes a miracle of creative imagination on the part of a community to envision a sacred space into existence and that is precisely what happened. Thank you to 1,200 backers (and still counting) who responded and are taking the Entheon project to the next level toward it's realization.

Thank you to Joe Rogan -- joerogan.net

Thank you to Alan Steinfeld -- newrealities.com

Thank you to Reality Sandwich -- realitysandwich.com

Thank you to Tool -- toolband.com

Thank you to Kickstarter -- kickstarter.com

Most of all, thank you to the CoSM Staff. A staff picture is rare indeed in our busy hive where we all wear many hats.

May we introduce to you the most current stars in the CoSMosis.

 

Floor:

Matt Dudin [beekeeper, alpaca keeper, entrepreneur], CFO;

Jess Shada [artist/designer], CoSM Shop Manager;

Brian James, [artist, fire spinner extraordinaire] Head Builder and Site Manager

Middle:

Allyson Grey [artist] Co-founder, Co-Director

Alex Grey [artist] Co-founder, Co-Director

Joness Jones, [painter/muralist] Media Lab Artist/Designer;

Sharon Stelluto, [artist] Hospitality Coordinator;

Michael Smith [musician] Cafe Coordinator;

Eli Morgan, [DJ E.L.I], Creative Director, Travel Manager;

Back:

Sharon Fulcher, [artist], Staff Artist/Personal Assistant;

Gordon McPherson, [DJ Psylander] Unstoppable Force of Shipping;

Jeffrey Wilson, [sculptor] Master Carpenter;

Tim Mundy [artist, fire spinner extraordinaire], Master Mason,Army of One;

Jon "Ohia" Wilson [social sculptor], Program Coordinator, Production & Social Media Manager;

Rey Soto [bowling super-star], Volunteer Coordinator, Cafe & Shipping Supervisor

Missing:

Ian Arremony, [artist], our beloved Chef

Oscar Cardenas, [earthworks artist], Grounds Caretaker, Master Chef

Laura Bellizzi, [bass player], Assistant Hospitality Coordinator

Maggie [writer] Gardening Specialist

Thanks to the many wonderful volunteers that offer themselves everyday.

Shout out to Jay Klum, Cole Pierson, Nick, Emily, Nancy, and so many others that offer Karma Yoga at CoSM.

Two days left, 1201 backers, $177k pledged, 140% of goal... So if we reach 150% or $187,500 then we promise everyone at $75 pledge and above will also get a vintage signed KISSING black and white poster, in honor of our first day together 38 years ago, May 31. Our love was the holy possibility of Entheon existing, and our working together to make it happen. May the blessings of love bring you all your highest visions!

Kissing lithograph poster, signed by the artist

This weekend at CoSM - Visionary Communities featuring Damanhur & The Oracle Institute Join us for a conversation with Laura George and Mimi George of Oracle Institute and the intentional community of Damanhur.

These leaders represent organizations at the evolutionary edge of creative spirit, harnessing the empowered community to build sacred space for the new millennium.

One of Alex's favorite books currently is the Oracle Institute book, The Truth: About the Five Primary Religions (2006) by Laura George. Also, check out the CoSM Press book on the community of Damanhur illustrating the history and life of a thirty-year community of artist temple builders.

Love,

Alex and Allyson

Entheon Kickstarter

Link to Entheon Kickstarter Page:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alexgreycosm/entheon-the-alex-grey-visionary-art-experience

We have been inspired by the recent success of Kickstarter for funding projects large and small.  Just this month, two movie projects have generated millions of dollars by rallying their dedicated fans. If artists projects can be financed by friends, there is no limit to creative freedom.  In that spirit we announce the launch of the Entheon Kickstarter today!  Check it out, make a pledge, and build Entheon with us.

Many of you know that, for five years, CoSM was a vital center for visionary art and culture in Manhattan that closed in 2009. CoSM left the 12,000 square foot rental on 27th Street after finding the perfect site to build the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, a historic 40 acre retreat center in the Hudson Valley of New York.  CoSM's heroic team beautifully restored three buildings on the property, the office, the studio, and the guest house, to hold ceremonies, events and workshops. But sadly, the attraction that drew tens of thousands of visitors in Manhattan,  the inspiring installation of art, is still wrapped in storage.

The time has come to bring the paintings back. Our plan is to build a permanent exhibition space for these iconic artworks along with paintings and sculpture by some of the most accomplished mystic creators of our time. This home for visionary painting and sculpture, performance and dance, will be a destination you can visit anytime of year to commune with and contemplate the art, now and for generations to come. That transformative environment will be called ENTHEON, a place to discover the creator within.

 

 

After two years of working with the Wappinger Town Planners and the Rhinebeck Bank, construction of Entheon, the visionary art experience, has begun at CoSM. New technologies in 3D scanning, modeling and printing are being utilized to bring this unique architectural design to life.

 

 

Entheon Altar DJ booth unveiled April 19, 2013, San Francisco

 

 

We need your help to create CoSM's most ambitious project to date. Estimated cost of construction, complete with all the required amenities of a two-story building (including elevator, bathrooms, parking and paved road with lighting) will be over $1.5 Million Dollars. The bank is offering a loan hundreds of thousands dollars short of what is needed to completely finance this extraordinary sculpture that is a building.

 

 

Front view of Entheon, designed by Alex Grey - 3D Model by Ryan Tottle

 

 

Build Entheon with us by going to the Kickstarter website and checking out the really awesome and original premiums you can receive for helping us reach our goals and super goals. Share this message and kickstarter link with friends and post it on your facebook. Then plan to come and see the temple of art that you helped to build.

Love,
Alex and Allyson

 

Check out cosm.org for more info on upcoming events!

Consider the Source at CoSM

Consider the Source crowd around CoSM's bonfire.

May 19th, 2013 CoSM welcomed NYC-based rock band Consider the Source for a full day event which began with a music work shop, and concluded with an incredible concert. Workshop participants enjoyed a sunny afternoon with quality music lessons provided by members of CTS Gabriel Marin, John Ferrara, and Jeff Mann. After the workshop, Alex and Allyson arrived to speak with the band about the creative spirit, music, and philosophy.

The concert began in full swing after the sun set. Everyone kept warm by the fire, while enjoying the spectacle of fire spinners and aerialists who moved to the mathmatical rhythms of Consider the Source. Alex and Allyson set up their easels along side the band to paint and speak with guests. Consider the Source gave a memorable performance. To hear their music, you can visit their website at http://considerthesourcemusic.com/source/ .

Allyson Grey and Alex Grey discuss music and creativity with Consider the Source.

Consider the Source workshop crowd.

An aerialist poses during her warm-up.

Consider the Source performs under the light of the moon.

Consider the Source bassist, John Ferrara.

                Allyson Grey speaking with CoSM garden architect, Margret Kelley.

Consider the Source drummer, Jeff Mann, and guitarist, Gabriel Marin.

Aerialist from the Secret Circus performing with grace.

                            Alex Grey live painting faces of the Entheon temple.

Consider the Source members with Alex at May's Art Church.

Nautilus Silver Award Winner

Net of Being, Alex's latest book, just won a 2013 Silver Nautilus award. According to the Nautilus Book Award site, "Silver awards are given to print books of exceptional merit that make a literary and heartfelt contribution to spiritual growth, conscious living, high-level wellness, green values, responsible leadership and positive social change, as well as to the worlds of art, creativity and inspiration."

Reviews for Net of Being:

“A dazzling visual epic into mystical realms of consciousness, Net of Being is a gorgeously kaleidoscopic book tracking the psychedelic, Gaian, and galactic rise of a new planetary culture. Not just a work of writing and art, it’s an interdimensional chrysalis for the awakening of humanity.” (Jonathan Talat Phillips, author of The Electric Jesus: The Healing Journey of a Contemporary Gnostic and co-founder of Evolver and Reality Sandwich )

“Through his art, writings, and activism, Alex Grey shares his many insights into the nature of being and the universe at large. At the same time, he makes a compelling case for supporting and nurturing all forms of creative practice.” (David S. Rubin, The Brown Foundation Curator of Contemporary Art at the San Antonio Museum of Art ) “Alex Grey’s ability to portray the normally hidden mystical dimensions of the human body and the cosmos are extraordinary and unique. His amazing visionary art is in a category of its own!” (Stanislov Grof, M.D., author of The Cosmic Game and Psychology of the Future and When the Impossible Happens )

“Alex Grey’s images connect with people effortlessly, on a deep intuitive level, and empower them to imagine a deeper and more meaningful world beneath the veneer of mundane everyday reality. He touches on themes that are so universal, so instantly recognizable, that upon seeing his art for the first time, it may already feel familiar…It seems that part of the reason people react so strongly to Alex’s work is because it touches them in a way that feels right, that nurtures and heals and perhaps fills some kind of void in their view of the world. This is perhaps one of the highest purposes that art can serve.” (Guy Aitchison, author of Reinventing the Tattoo, and Organica )

“...possibly the most significant artist alive. Alex’s work, like all great transcendental art, is not merely symbolic or imaginary: it is a direct invitation to recognize and realize a deeper dimension of our very own being.” (Ken Wilber, author of Integral Life Practice and Sex, Ecology, Spirituality and A Brief History of Everything )

“After we’re all gone and in 300 years or 500 years, Alex will be a master. He, right now, is a modern master to me.” (Adam Jones, lead guitar, TOOL )

“Alex Grey’s artworks bring together the tangible outer worlds investigated by scientists—full of molecules, bodies and stars–and the intangible visionary inner worlds—full of light, shadow and spiritual beings—known mainly to mystics.” (Albert Hofmann, inventor of LSD and author of LSD: My Problem Child )

To own a signed copy of Net of Being, click here.

Allyson Grey and Alex Grey with Net of Being book designer, Eli Morgan.

   

Art Church: with Burgandy and Adam Scott Miller

Alex and Allyson and guests enjoying an art meditation in the library.

For April's Art Church, CoSM welcomed visionary artists Adam Scott Miller and Burgandy Viscosi. After a peaceful drawing meditation, guests gathered for slide show presentations by the artists, who shared their stories and insights with the group. April Art Church also featured the unveiling of the visionary masterpiece, Cosmic Christ, the most recent addition to the CoSM Grey House Gallery. A big thank you to all the participants at Art Church, and to Burgandy and Adam for sharing their time and talents with us.

Burgandy Viscosi sketching with friends during Art Church.

Adam Scott Miller sharing his art and philosophy.

Burgandy presenting a slideshow of her paintings.

Adam Scott Miller speaking with guests about his art work.

An art church guest with a large back tatoo of Alex's piece Eye Heart.

Adam Scott Miller contemplating the Cosmic Christ.

Art work by Burgandy Viscosi, http://burgandy-viscosi.tumblr.com/

Thermodynamic Horizon by Adam Scott Miller, www.corpuscallosum.cc

Alex Grey, Burgandy Viscosi, Adam Scott Miller, and Allyson Grey pose together in the Grey's studio.

TEDx- How Art Evolves Consciousness

(click play to watch video)

Alex's recent TEDx Talk, "Cosmic Creativity: How Art Evolves Consciousness", was performed at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on January 13th, this essential twenty minutes offers a journey through Alex's art, distinguishing phase shifts of awareness and showing how visionary icons of interconnectedness are transformative.

On stage at TEDx, Maui.

Alex speaking about the night he met his wife, Allyson.

Alex addressing the TEDx crowd.

2013 Vernal Equinox Celebration

Alex and Allyson live-painting at the Equinox event at CoSM.

March 16, 2013 Vernal Equinox Celebration- CoSM's annual Vernal Equinox Celebration was celebrated with quality music by friends Tap the Flow, Ruls, David Block (The Human Experience) and Izzy from NYC. To share with CoSM friends, Diego, our amigo from Mexico, brought the iconic painting of Xochipilli that Alex had painted live in Mexico last year. Xochipilli is the God of art, games, beauty, dance, flowers, and song in Aztec mythology. Live painters including Alex & Allyson, Sharon Stelluto, Joness Jones, and Martin Cash created throughout the guest house.

Alex live-painting "Study for Monochord" at the Equinox celebration.

Allyson's painting reveals secret writing.

Tap the Flow in the DJ booth.

David Block, "The Human Experience", Baba Kamal on saxophone.

Alex's portrait of Xochipilli, the Aztec Prince of Flowers.

Martin Cash live painting.

Sharon Stelluto painting a portrait of White Tara.

Joness Jones painting "The First Drop of Spring."