Sacred Art Tour of Tibetan Monks 2017: January 31 through February 4.

On January 31, Florida CraftArt will welcome eight exiled Tibetan Buddhist Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery in India. They come with a message of peace, loving kindness, wisdom, and compassion while sharing their traditional Tibetan arts and culture. Funds raised from this event support their Monastery in southern India.

During their stay, the monks will chant twice daily at 10am and 4pm. The monks will construct a Sand Mandala, Buddha of compassion, comprised of millions of colored grains of sand carefully laid out in specific patterns and diagrams which represent sacred textual Buddhist imagery.

Upon completion, the mandala will be ceremoniously deconstructed and the monks will bless the water, which is believed to spread blessings to the local community.

The gallery will feature items crafted by Tibetan artisans. For more information visit: www.floridacraftart.org

The Grand Central District

The Grand Central District was formed in 2001 and received designation as a Main Street community by both the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Florida Main Street program. Its office is housed within the creative co-working spaces at Clear Labs at 2529 Central Avenue S.

Grand Central is one of more than 1,500 communities across the country that have adopted the Main Street Approach, a powerful economic development tool that leverages local assets – from historic, cultural, and architectural resources to local enterprises and community pride. It is a comprehensive strategy that addresses the variety of issues and problems that challenge traditional commercial districts.

The mission of the Grand Central District is to create a sense of community within a traditional commercial and residential neighborhood and promote on-going economic development.

Every week the District brings excitement with events and cultural happenings. On Saturday, January 28th from 2pm to 7pm celebrate the 3rd Annual Grandiversary Block Party (2400 Block of Central Avenue).  And be sure to mark your calendar for the Grand Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, February 18th from Noon to 4pm

For more information visit: www.grandcentraldistrict.org or call 727.828.7006.