Keith Schall An artist, connoisseur and retired professor of 19th century British literature, the subjects for Schall’s abstract paintings are usually derived from and allude to archetypes from poetry, mythology and music. His works dramatically illustrate the soul of his subject matter directly speaking into the heart of the viewer and reaching beyond the canvas. One of the fascinating facets of Schall’s work is that his pieces don’t conform to a standard canvas. He is constantly experimenting adding different structure and shape to his work. He has always felt that abstract art came screeching to a halt at the edge of the canvas so he creatively carries out the artistic expression beyond the canvas.

Schall is the artist in residence throughout June, painting in the gallery. It is an opportunity for visitors to experience creativity outside of the box. Open discussion is encouraged on “What the bleep is abstract art?”

Alan Powell Acrylic and oil painter Allen Powell has a diverse body of work ranging from abstract impressionism to stunningly realistic landscapes that make the viewer feel they are standing in the wilderness. He is fascinated by the line, color and texture of the natural world. For Powell, living in the Sedona for many years has fostered a profound creativity allowing him to fully explore both the abstract and the literal.

Peter Myerson Myerson’s impressionistic paintings are all about texture. A highly acclaimed artist originally from South Africa, his use of vivid color literally calls out and mesmerizes viewers drawing them in and taking them on a journey around the world. Though his paintings are landscapes they blend the boundaries of abstraction and representation evoking a sense of timelessness.

Get the latest here.

Sedona, AZ - 06/05/08 - More than 300 people from Sedcona and the Verde Valley joined this open-house celebration on the 160-acre site surrounded by Coconino National Forest.

With its unique beauty and vortex-energy Mago Retreat has created an ideal environment for the renewal, training, and healing, attracting people from around the world, in its first decade. Its natural setting features mountains, rolling hills, red rocks, gardens, a lake, and abundant plantings. In harmony with nature and based on green criteria, its facilities include meeting rooms, guest rooms, dining hall, meditation areas, pool-spa, horse stables, and water management system.

As the founder of Mago Retreat, Ilchi Lee (www.ilchi.com) presented the main lecture of the day. He is founder and president of the International Brain Education Association and Korea Institute of Brain Science (a NGO granted consultative status with the United Nations). Of his 30 books, the latest is In Full Bloom: A Brain Education Guide for Successful Aging, coauthored with Dr. Jessie Jones.

In his lecture on “Brain Education for Successful Aging,“ Lee explained how the brain can remain fit long after 50 in order to produce physical health, mental functioning, and inner peace. He described how to shift one’s brain state from negative to positive. To be able to do this, he demonstrated several simple yet profound exercises – muscle resistance, longevity walking, and brain wave vibration.