My project was based on a personal passion of mine. I have always enjoyed making small zen gardens, sometimes as gifts other times just to let me focus and relax.
I wanted to share my personal experience with others. The money from the grant allowed me to purchase all the materials needed for my workshop. The money also allowed me to create some posters advertising my workshop. With the grant money, I was able to provide tea and snacks for the participants and also give each person who attended my workshop a small gift.
At the end of the workshop, people were able to take their zen garden home, along with a tool to allow them to recreate their zen garden in the future. I was able to secure a space for my workshop, courtesy of Naturally Pacific Resort, at no cost.
The main challenge I faced was trying to determine the optimal number of attendees so that I could accurately determine how many supplies I needed. In advance of the workshop, I gathered local stones and pieces of wood from the beach to be used by the participants.
What I learned from this workshop is that many other people shared my interest in zen gardens, but they had never had the opportunity to create their own. The conversations between the participants during and after the workshop were very warm, intimate, and emotional.
The entire experience was beautiful. I am extremely grateful for the financial support for this project. Without it, this could never have happened.
