You leave the busy freeway, pull into the crowded parking lot and crawl around looking for a spot to park.  Finding one, you stroll down to the lower level of Crossroads Mall.  A few steps further and you're at the box office of the Bijou Theater. Buy your movie ticket and head down another flight of stairs, where the smell of fresh cappuccino and popcorn fills the air and draws you through the lobby.  And there it hits you:  your gaze is instantly absorbed by a long row of colorful, creatively decorated boxes hanging in the hallway.  You came to see a movie, but for now you don't even glance at the marquees to find your screening room, because your mind is temporarily preoccupied.  What the heck is this? 
 
Dramatically spotlighted in the otherwise dim gallery, the boxes have an otherworldly affect.  Their gravity pulls you further down the hall, where you start to notice that while all boxes are unique, each has the same basic shape as the rest.  They have a hypnotic effect.  You can't help yourself.  You begin to inspect each piece of art individually, and find your imagination drawn into one miniature world after another, lost in a whole different dimension ...  Welcome to "One People, Many Paths:  The Sacred Art of Altars"  !!!
 
The Celebration Circle's 5th Annual Exhibit and Silent Auction of Handmade Altars is a stunning show, if I may say so myself.  As an artist, I'm proud to be part of this exhibit.  As Director of the Circle, I'm happy to note that this promises to be a successful fundraiser.  And as an art lover, I'm impressed by the wide range of eclectic visions on display.  But it's the people-watcher in me that is most excited by this exhibit.  It's so much fun to watch unsuspecting moviegoers come strolling down the hall on their way to a show, then witness their reactions when they notice our altars. Most folks seem to react the way I described earlier.  A few are openly dismissive; some ignore the art completely; but lots of folks spend time lingering, pondering, discussing, looking at their watches to make sure their movie hasn't started, then linger some more.
 
Try it sometime, if you haven't done so yet.  But do it soon. The show closes with a reception from 6-7pm on October 2nd, when folks have one last chance to place final bids, hear live music by Robin Smith, eat a bite and see a movie together.  That'll be fun, too.  I hope you consider joining us that night.  But one way or the other, I really hope you get to enjoy the Sacred Art of Altars.  You deserve it!
 
With blessings and hopes of seeing you Around the Circle,