As you go about your life on Dec. 21, take a moment to stop, reflect and consider the fact that due to the earth's tilt on its axis, you are experiencing the shortest day, and hence, the longest night of the year. Termed the "Winter Solstice," societies throughout history have ritually welcomed this astronomical phenomenon in celebration. 

In modern cultures, these gatherings are still valued for emotional and spiritual comfort — giving people something to look forward to at the darkest time of the year, while also serving as a reminder to connect back to the earth’s rhythms. This is the goal of Jennifer Riley, a CMT, reiki master and certified yoga instructor who teaches eco-yoga for kids at the ArtBeast studio. 

This Sunday, ArtBeast will be hosting a family-oriented workshop and ceremony in celebration of the solstice. In this interactive gathering, children and their parents will partake in a “village celebration.” This, Riley explains, is an earth-based gathering that incorporates both elements of community and the planet, which inherently provides a deeper understanding of the self.

The workshop is designed for participants to learn about the natural rhythms of animals, the earth and the native people through yoga, storytelling, art, music and dance. There will be a craft session based on the value of gratitude, in which families will group off, and then come back together to share what they have made upon completion. After the workshop, the ArtBeast community will partake in a potluck and invite families to bring a dish to share. Plates, cups, utensils and drinks will be provided.

The ArtBeast is a drop-in arts exploration space for children, which features an open art studio, a variety of art and movement classes hip-hop dance, eco-yoga, storybook art, song circles and many more), and an assortment of arts exploration rooms based on dramatic art, music and movement. There are also specified spaces for infant play. This space is primarily for children under the age of seven, giving little ones an opportunity to maximize their creative potential from their very beginnings. 
 
Event details:
Sunday, Dec. 20, 2 to 4 p.m.
2226 K St.
916-441-1233 (RSVP is appreciated)

Free for members
Non-members: $3 per person, + $8 admissions fee (second adult per family is free)