Mindfulness and Art

Slow down, breathe, and experience art in a whole new way. In this four-part series, explore how mindfulness can transform the way you look at and engage with contemporary art. Each session begins with a brief introduction in the classroom, followed by a guided visit to the galleries, and ends with time for reflection and conversation. Through simple mindfulness techniques, artist and mindfulness teacher Maria Schaedler-Luera will help you notice more, feel more present, and appreciate art without the pressure of finding a “right” interpretation. Whether you join for one session or all four, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and more connected to both the artwork and yourself.

No prior art or meditation experience is needed, just bring curiosity and an open mind.

$15 Members
$25 Not-Yet Members (includes Museum admission)

About Maria Schaedler-Luera

Maria Schaedler-Luera portrait picture

Maria Schaedler-Luera is a Brazilian-born artist, educator, speaker, and consultant whose work bridges arts, mindfulness, and social healing. She is the Co-Founder of Atomica Arts, a certified meditation teacher with Chopra Global, and an Ayurvedic Health Counselor. The author of Be the Protagonist: How Ayurveda, Meditation, and Theatre Can Transform Your Life, Maria helps people shift from being a spectator to the author of their own story through embodied awareness and creative practice.

Her interdisciplinary work spans keynote speaking, curriculum design, trauma-informed facilitation, and arts-and-health initiatives across the U.S. and internationally. Through her work, Maria invites participants into experiential practices that cultivate presence, deepen emotional resilience, and connect creativity with personal wellbeing.

Purchase your tickets

We look forward to seeing you tonight for Jazz Thursday, featuring Michael Ross Quartet! Due to very high winds, tonight’s event will be moved indoors.

As this reduces our seating capacity, we ask that you please notify us in advance if you would like to cancel your ticket — or you may cancel it directly through Eventbrite.

Seating will be available in McGuire Hall and Bistro on a first-come, first-served basis.

Check-in begins at 4:30 pm (earlier entry will not be permitted), and the Bistro/bars and seating open at 5 pm.
For guest safety, personal chairs are not permitted on-site

Food and Beverage are available for purchase on-site through the Bistro. Please refrain from bringing outside food and beverage.

Mindfulness and Art

Seeing Beyond the First Glance

Thursday, February 12, 2026

12 – 1 pm

Meet in the Wendy G. Surkis & Peppi Elona Lobby.

We often move quickly past what’s in front of us. In this session, we’ll practice slowing down and taking the time to really see. Guided prompts will help you notice details in SAM’s galleries that you might otherwise miss and discover how lingering with a work of art can open new layers of meaning.

Mindfulness and Art

Engaging the Five Senses

Thursday, March 5, 2026

12 – 1 pm

Meet in the Wendy G. Surkis & Peppi Elona Lobby.

Our senses are how we meet the world, and art can speak to all of them. We’ll explore the galleries through sight, sound, touch, smell, and even imagined taste, noticing how each sense shapes what we see and feel.

Mindfulness and Art

Contemplation as a Creative Practice

Thursday, April 2, 2026

12 – 1 pm

Meet in the Wendy G. Surkis & Peppi Elona Lobby.

Pausing to reflect can shift our perspective and bring a sense of calm to our busy minds. This session invites you to use stillness and focused attention as a way to connect more deeply with the artwork and with yourself.

Mindfulness and Art

Finding Your Story in the Art

Thursday, May 7, 2026

12 – 1 pm

Meet in the Wendy G. Surkis & Peppi Elona Lobby.

Every work of art holds stories and can spark our own. In this final session, you’ll explore how personal memories, emotions, and imagination connect with what you see, and leave with a story only you could tell.