Sanctity and the Sonnet
With Daniel Varholy and Len Mattano
September 18, 2021
Exploring the Beauty of Holiness in Poetry through Stained Glass
In this class we will learn how to build a sonnet based on an exploration of the stained glass windows in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption on Enders Island.
“Poetry surrounds us everywhere.”
Have you been stopped in your tracks in a cathedral, as light reflected through stained glass surrounds you, or listened to the words of a sonnet that move you deeply? Art touches us in a profound and spiritual way.
In this one day workshop join Dr. Varholy for a lively discussion on the sonnets of Shakespeare, St. Robert Southwell and Michelangelo. Then spend time with author Len Mattano as he shares his own photos and the stories and meaning behind stained glass windows.
Everyone will have the opportunity to write and share a sonnet of their own, inspired by the stained glass windows and quiet atmosphere of the chapel. During this workshop enjoy a two-course lunch, served in the historic Enders House.
10-11am Opening Talk on the history of the sonnet and the mechanism of the form
11am-12 Noon Ways of Seeing Talk
12-1pm Two-course Lunch at the historic Enders House
1-1:30pm Sonnet Writing Seminar
1:30-3:00pm Sonnet Writing Time in the Chapel
3:00-3:30pm Conclusion with students’ sonnets being read out loud
About the Leaders
Daniel Varholy
Daniel completed his undergraduate work with a BA from Middlebury College in Vermont majoring in English Literature and spent a summer at the Breadloaf School of English and attended the Breadloaf Writers’ Conference. He completed an M.St. and D.Phil. from Oxford University where he was a member of Magdalen College. He also has pursued philosophy […]
Learn more about Daniel Varholy
Len Mattano
Len Mattano is an author and physician who led a childhood cancer program in southwest Michigan for 18 years. In 2009 he and his family moved to Mystic, Connecticut, where he has focused on drug development, research, and writing. He is an avid photographer and devotee of the arts, history, philosophy, and theology—all of which […]
Learn more about Len MattanoCategories : Day Classes, Days of Recollection, In Person, Sacred Art Workshops