Today's Arts Center at Esalen.
Esalen continues to energetically promote the growth of human potential through the arts. Calling upon talented artists, teachers and leaders in creative fields from diverse cultures around the world, the Institute is able to offer rich and varied opportunities for personal and artistic development through workshops, visiting artist programs, and special events. Esalen's long tradition of support for the arts provides a strong foundation for the exploration of creativity into the 21st century.
1940s and 50s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
musicians visual artists authors movement artists
artists in other disciplines or multiple creative fields
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2000s
Piovra and Esperide, glassworkers from Damanhur in Italy, teach stained glass workshops at Esalen.
Tim Booth, singer, songwriter and front-man of the band James, co-led the first recording arts and songwriting workshop with singer, songwriter and producer Gordy Schaeffer of Soulfood Records.
Mariano and Olga Valadez have shared the native bead and yarn art of Mexican Indians on their visits to Esalen over the last few years.
Abbey Onikoyi, Nigerian painter, regularly teaches and displays his work at Esalen.
Sha Sha Higby, Fulbright and National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship recipient, has shared her unique, award-winning style of performance art, costume design and mask making with Esalen. In her workshops and performances she mixes Asian and Western artistic traditions to produce ephemeral moving sculptures.
Hani Naser, oud player, teaches Middle-Eastern drumming at the Arts Center and has given musical performances for the community.
Paul Heussenstamm, mandala painter, teaches Art As A Spiritual Path at Esalen.
Dana Zed, glass artist, teaches glass fusing and slumping, and glass sculpture at the Arts Center and has helped beautify the property by constructing glass light boxes for the walkway leading to the Barn.
Arthur Weinfeld, sculptor, teaches stone carving at the Arts Center.
Alan Leon, artist, muralist and teacher, taught Imagining Your World: A Painting and Drawing Extravaganza in 2003.
Visiting Artist Program. In conjunction with Jayson Fann and the Creative Arts Center several artists have been donating their time to promote the arts and help bring more art to Esalen. The artists in residence spend time at Esalen offering instruction and support in various art forms and produce spectacular additions to the environment like the glass mosaic produced with Lisa Berry and the glass lanterns by Dana Zed and helpers.
1940s and 50s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s