Submitted by San Juan Museum of Art

From Feb. 17 to May 7 The San Juan Islands Museum of Art is presenting several exhibits created by five artists under the title “The Female Gaze.”

The “Substrate: Underlying Currents” group of three artists Susan Singleton, Hannah Alex-Glasser and Kandis Susol, have as women artists, over many decades, shared an enduring commitment to their work. In today’s world, this work carries an urgently-needed and important counterbalancing voice.

One of the significant works of the exhibition is Kandis Susol’s piece “Take Refuge,” inspired by the documentary “Human Flow,” a film by Ai Weiwei about the 65 million refugees worldwide seeking refuge. Moved by the suffering presented in this film, Kandis invites anyone to sit with her in silence at the museum to raise awareness regarding this human tragedy, and to acknowledge all manifestations of suffering caused by war, famine, genocide and environmental degradation.

Come together to sit in silent meditation and prayer with the intention to raise up the consciousness to create a more compassionate. The free vigil is 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 20 and May 1 at the museum. A brief introduction will be followed by a 25-minute meditation, a five-minute walking meditation, and a final 20-minute sit. The hour will end with a short “loving-kindness” prayer. Donations are welcome.

Call Susol at 360-376-4962 to make a reservation as space is limited. Chairs will be provided if requested at the time of making a reservation, or bring your own meditation cushion.