04/04/16 sry
HAYS, Kan. -- They start each session with a practice of meditation led by a philosophy professor, then transition their thoughts to drawing with an art professor.

Now it is time for the students of the Mindful Drawing Project at Fort Hays State University to bring in an external reviewer and then exhibit their research at the Spring Art Walk.

Eight undergraduate students were selected to participate in the project funded by an Undergraduate Research Grant through the Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects at FHSU led by Dr. Gene Rice, chair of the Department of Philosophy, and Amy Schmierbach, professor of art and design. The Mindful Drawing Project explores the act of meditation and drawing.

The grant requires an external reviewer, which is why Erin Wiersma, assistant professor of art from Kansas State University, will be on the FHSU campus to discuss her art making as a form of meditation from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, in Rarick Hall, room 114. This is open to students, faculty, staff and community members.

Following the discussion, the Mindful Drawing Project will participate in an exclusive drawing workshop led by Wiersma.

To learn more about Wiersma, visit http://erinwiersma.com/.

During the Spring Art Walk in Hays, the students of the Mindful Drawing Project will exhibit their research at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.

"The goal of this exploratory project is to create a series of drawings that reflect on the mindfulness meditation process and to create awareness of our mental and physical habits through meditation," said Schmierbach.