Song Circles
Art was first introduced to community singing through local kirtan events in the San Diego area. He hosted his first song circle in 2019, and began actively cultivating his skills as a songleader and musician in 2022. He is a graduate of Lisa Littlebird’s Songleader Flight School and has additional training in creating spaces that are uplifting and welcoming to all. He is also available to facilitate song circles at private events and gatherings.
Art’s song circles are:
- Come as you are, no previous experience or sheet music required
- Drop-in, no commitment necessary
- Heart-opening and grounding
- Easy, accessible and satisfying
- Anti-racist, native land-acknowledging, non-perfectionistic, respectful and non-violent
- A complete experience from opening to closing that will leave you feeling better than you came
Council Practice & Group Facilitation
Council is a group communication process based upon clear intentions and the use of a talking piece. It is inspired by the practices of many cultures and traditions from around the world, especially the peacemaking circle of the Iroquois Confederacy and the Quaker meeting process. Through the work of the Ojai Foundation / Topa Institute, council has evolved into an accessible and effective practice for modern Western society. Art is a what is known as a council carrier, a facilitator and teacher of this practice, one who lives by the core intentions of council at all times.
See the Ways of Council website to learn more: https://waysofcouncil.net/what-is-council/
Trainings and Experience:
- Council I Training – The Topa Institute
- Victim-Offender Dialogue Training – San Diego Restorative Justice and Mediation Program
- Circle Facilitator I and II Training – Healing Circles Global
Art has also read widely from the works of Kay Pranis, Marshall Rosenberg, Christina Baldwin and many others. He has training and experience in NonViolent Communication, facilitating difficult conversations on sensitive topics, the creation of ceremonial spaces, and mindfulness and meditation practices. He is available for coaching, consulting and in-person facilitation work.