Clothesline Exhibit: Prayer Flags

The Glen Arbor Arts Center looks to the East for inspiration for the 2022 Clothesline Exhibit. This year’s theme is prayer flags.

The Clothesline Prayer Flags Exhibit is an open-air exhibition of small work that may be viewed at any time. It is part of the GAAC’s exhibition FLAGS [in the GAAC Main Gallery May 27 – August 18]. Makers of all skill levels were invited to create a prayer flag in any material + media including painting, drawing, photograph, collage, paper, fabric, plastic.

ABOUT PRAYER FLAGS: A Tibetan prayer flag is a colorful, rectangular cloth, often found strung along trails and peaks high in the Himalayas. They are used to bless the surrounding countryside, and for other purposes. Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods, which is a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all-pervading space.

Prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all. The flags are primarily for the benefit of the world, not for the individual who hangs them. It is believed that the sacred texts and symbols printed on them have a vibration that is activated and carried by the wind, so that all who are touched by that wind are blessed.