Forest Bathing
Annette Knapstein, Painter & Jennifer Peters, Photographer
Gathering Area, May 21 – July 21, 2025
The exhibit is on display in the Gathering Area of the monastery from May 21 – July 21, 2025. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm (excluding holidays) and Sunday 10 – 11 am.
An opening reception will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025 from 6 – 8 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is appreciated.
Register: https://holywisdommonastery.org/event/forest-bathing-art-exhibit-reception/
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More information about this exhibit and the artists:
The Japanese practice of Forest Bathing, or shinrin yoku, is becoming a prevalent way for people to increase their well-being by connecting with the natural environment through their senses. This easily accessible activity can benefit all ages, and serves as a reminder to slow down and be mindful by simply immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.
In Holy Wisdom’s new art exhibit, local artists Jennifer Peters and Annette Knapstein share their work inspired by Forest Bathing as a “tangible expression of our sensory experience in nature.”
Annette Knapstein grew up in Oregon, Wisconsin, and now lives in Middleton.
“My family always encouraged creativity whether it was in music, art or any other endeavor.” Annette earned a degree in Economics and worked in advertising and marketing for more than 30 years. “I definitely used my love for the visual arts in my career,” she laughed. Initially a photographer, Annette began exploring colored pencils, watercolors, and acrylic painting several years ago. “My work is based on my impression of what I see, rather than making an exact replica. My intention is to reflect how I feel about what I am experiencing and seeing.” During COVID, Annette spent a lot of time at Pheasant Branch Conservancy. “Being out in nature gave so much back to me – it was my safe refuge.”
Jennifer Peters, an expressionist photographer, said her work in this exhibit is quite different than the show she had at the monastery in 2017. “The photographs in this exhibit are much more ephemeral, serene, and delicate. By exploring a softer focus on what I experience in nature, the painterly aspect of our natural world is revealed, allowing us to see details that may go unnoticed.” Jennifer attended Stevens College in Columbia, Missouri where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, majoring in piano. She earned a
Master of Fine Arts degree at UW-Madison. Jennifer taught French at Blackhawk Middle School for 31 years and retired in 2011. Jennifer has always taken photographs, has exhibited throughout the area and participated in art fairs for years. Jennifer volunteers curating the art exhibits at Holy Wisdom and several other local venues.
Annette and Jennifer are excited to share their collaborative exhibit. “Our work really complements each other. The water, woodlands, and wildflowers in the exhibit evoke a sense of calm found in nature. For us, forest bathing is not merely an activity; it is a form of art itself.”
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