Co-creating Mandalas for Connection

An Expressive Arts Without Borders Project

Co-Creating Mandalas for Connection is an Expressive Arts Without Borders Project curated by Dr. Elzette Fritz and Dr. Markus Scott-Alexander, REAT. The project celebrates the first anniversary (October 3, 2023) of the Expressive Arts Without Borders community.

Mandala means “circle” in Sanskrit and through mandala creation, connecting to the self and others opens space for containing the difficulties of life, tenderly. A mandala in art is a geometric set of patterns, colours, and shapes often presented in a circle. In the world of “I”, nature reminds us of the unity of connection and belonging to the expanding universe. Come join the circle of “returning to the whole” by creating and celebrating healing mandalas, to calm and connect the creator and viewer alike. 

Participants from all over the world created Mandalas using objects from nature and found materials and sent in images of the images to the project team, creating a connecting circle that celebrates the healing energy of life through mandala creation. 

The video above was created by Joanne Anagnostu and Mary-Ann Anagnostu with music Moment to Moment by Linda Worster.

Moment to Moment Song Credits:
Linda Worster: Guitar and Vocals
Eugene Friesen:Cello
Reed Butler: Bass
Marty Quinn: Percussion- rain stick

Joanne Anagnostu

Joanne Anagnostu, a South African, is a qualified primary school teacher, learning support teacher, and registered counsellor. In 2017, she earned her Master’s in Expressive Arts Therapy from the European Graduate School. Currently practising privately in South Africa, she uses diverse arts modalities to counsel children, teenagers, and adults. Passionate about the arts, she enjoys writing poetry and children's stories, aspiring to publish and pursue further studies.

Mary-Ann Anagnostu

Mary-Ann Anagnostu, Joanne’s twin, holds a degree in Geography and Environmental Studies, specializing in Geographical Information Systems. Formerly an environmental educational officer in London, she returned to South Africa to teach primary school for a decade. Currently pursuing studies as a remedial therapist, she volunteers in children's reading, dances Ballroom and Latin, plays the violin, and passionately explores macro and landscape photography, developing her photographic business.