EM 26: Anniversary Weekend
Marco Antoima
1 - Lighting the Inner Path: Creating Candlelight with Intention
Step into a quiet, candlelit space inspired by the Waldorf spiral walk and the art of beeswax candle dipping. Surrounded by natural elements such as moss, pine, and stone, participants are invited into a slow, meditative journey of movement and creation.
Each person receives a wick and joins a continuous spiral path, dipping it into warm beeswax vessels placed along the way. With each step and layer of wax, the candle takes shape, guided by rhythm, breath, and intention.
This repetitive, grounding practice invites participants to release distractions, set intentions, and reconnect with a sense of calm. The finished candle becomes a symbol of this inner journey, a tangible reminder of clarity, warmth, and peace.
Participants will leave with a hand-dipped beeswax candle and a renewed sense of grounding, having shared in a simple yet meaningful collective ritual.
2 - Truffles of Remembrance: An Edible Art Workshop
Join me in a hands-on artistic journey, where truffle-making becomes a medium of remembrance and creativity. We’ll craft edible art; each truffle a tribute, a memory, or a personal expression. The experience ends in a blind tasting ritual, where participants exchange truffles and are invited to taste without sight, allowing flavor, texture, and emotion to guide the experience. Expect a delicious, creative space to celebrate life and artistry together.
Jonathan Comisar
1 - Opening Our Hearts to Song
Gathered around the piano, we will use songs as a vehicle to reflect, tell our stories, and feel how we are part of something larger. Come open your hearts to the power of singing with your brothers.
2 - Easton Mountain Gay Men’s Chorus
Feel the joy of singing in harmony with other men.
We will sing in four parts (TTBB) and prepare a song to be shared later in the weekend. Some music reading skills are required, but the songs will not be super difficult. Let’s bring harmony to the Mountain!
Tim Cooley
Sensuous Massage
An opportunity to exchange conscious touch. There will be a brief tutorial demonstrating possible techniques and safety issues. No prior experience necessary. This is intended to be a sensual rather than an erotically centered experience. (Signup required)
David Dietz & Jack Miller
1 - Life Drawing & Modeling: An Erotic Artistic Experience
This unique experience combines a naked puppy pile and a life drawing workshop. Participants can choose to be artists, models, or both, and will have the opportunity to participate in either or both of two erotic drawing sessions.
During these sessions, models will pose nude and create an erotic tableau for the artists to draw. Since models will need to remain in position, but not completely still, the tableaus will be styled like a puppy pile. Some possible scenarios include a group of Roman soldiers resting between orgies or a randy rugby team sacking the quarterback. Each session will last at least 30 minutes.
Artists can draw the scene in any way they are inspired, whether it’s attempting to capture the entire scene realistically, rendering several sketches focused on details, or even using the models as inspiration for their own fantasy drawings. The creative output is entirely up to the individual. Various drawing materials will be provided, or participants can bring their own art supplies. Artistic guidance will also be available to anyone who would like it.
No prior experience or talent is necessary. Everyone is welcome to participate, and snacks will be served.
2 - Move to the Groove
We’ll take a soul journey by moving the body, releasing the heart and freeing the mind. Ignite your creativity, connection, and community through a free movement dance based on the 5 Rhythms: Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness. The music is eclectic and the dance is your own. Appropriate for all fitness levels.
Richard Foerster
Poetry and Play
In a relaxed gathering, participants will read and discuss several poems by contemporary gay poets that explore sensuality and gay experiences from various angles – playful, serious, heartfelt, sexy. We will then break into small groups to collaborate on writing poems for reading at the gala. Over the course of the weekend, individuals will meet separately with Richard to fine-tune their poem and prepare for its presentation to the community.
Bennie Guzman
1 - True Colors
The original Pride flag, created by Gilbert Baker, is a symbol that instills feelings of safety, courage, pride, and peace for many queer people across the globe. Many individuals, however, are not aware of the history and deeper meaning of the original 8 colors used in the Pride Flag. This session will provide some historical context and provide participants an opportunity to reflect on these themes.
2 - …And the Rest is Drag
Drag as a performance art and a lifestyle has been an integral part of the LGBTQ+ community. Drag for many individuals has been a way to explore identity and deepen self understanding.
Mister Larrie
1 - Classic Scratchboards
Create your very own personalized message of affirmation, immortalized in colored wax and paint. To kick this classic craft up a notch, we will combine a few simple supplies with some thoughtful prompts to help your message truly shine.
2 - Communal Project: Painting By The Rules
Participants will learn to live and let go in a communal art experience that tests their ability to work together towards a common artistic goal, even when that goal is a total mystery. Layer by layer an abstract painting is formed through the use of randomly drawn instructional cards. By the end of the weekend we will produce an original work of art that is like nothing ever seen before!
Wyatt Mylius
1 - Sound Journey (Thurs. after Opening Circle)
Begin the 26th Anniversary weekend with a deeply restorative sound journey. Through gongs, singing bowls, and harmonic tones, you will be guided into a meditative state that supports relaxation, reflection, and renewal—creating space to honor the moment and step into the weekend with clarity.
2 - Inner Rituals with Gong
This workshop is a simple, immersive introduction to the gong through the lens of inner ritual. Rather than focusing on technique, you will learn one foundational stroke and use it as a gateway into presence, listening, and connection.
Participants will take turns playing for one another, creating a shared space of sound, awareness, and trust. The focus is on feeling the vibration, noticing your internal response, and building a relationship with the gong—and with each other.
This is a gentle, experiential offering designed to help you slow down, tune in, and explore sound as a tool for connection rather than performance. No experience is needed.
3 - Forest Discovery with Sound
Step into a guided forest bathing experience designed to reconnect you with nature, your senses, and a deeper sense of presence. This 3-hour journey blends traditional forest bathing practices with sound, movement, and simple ritual.
We begin with two hours of guided meditation in nature with forest play including a mini sound bath with Himalayan singing bowls and flute to support relaxation and awareness. You will be invited to slow down, listen, and engage your senses in a grounded, intentional way.
From there, we transition into a one-hour gentle hike with guided foraging. Along the way, you will learn how to mindfully gather plants and connect with the landscape. We close by preparing and sharing a fresh, wild-crafted tea together—bringing the experience full circle through taste, warmth, and community.
Kathryn Wedderburn
1 - Beginner Swing Dance Workshop
No experience necessary. Come have fun and learn some moves you can bring to any dance party!
2 - Making Fabric Art
You’ll be completely amazed by what you can do with fabric scrap! I will show you all the basic steps to assemble your own (small) wall hanging/art quilt. Hopefully, you’ll have time to assemble your very own over the weekend, and I’ll be around to help during free time. Materials provided.
3 - Contra Dance with Kathryn Wedderburn & Her Eclectic Orchestra
An easy evening of folk dancing and jive fun, with local musicians. Vigorous and lively, as always! Get to meet everyone.