Englewood Artist’s Mandala Celebrates Community and Earth Day

ENGLEWOOD, Fla. — A vibrant community mandala created by local artist Rita Schwab was on display at the 2025 Earth Day Festival at Buchan Park on April 5, drawing attention and admiration for both its color and collaborative spirit.

The large-scale artwork was the result of a yearlong community project that brought together more than 75 participants of all ages. Originally launched at The Open Studio in Englewood, the mandala began with Schwab’s geometric design, which she divided into six triangular segments and filled with intricate patterns using arcs and lines. Students from the studio helped mark the design on a large canvas using string, stakes and charcoal.

In the next phase, roughly 50 adult participants returned to add bold background colors to the shapes, infusing the piece with energy and vibrancy.

Final details were added during the 2024 Earth Day event, when families and children joined to personalize the mandala. Participants painted birds, fish, leaves, symbols and signatures, transforming the piece into a collective expression of environmental connection and creativity.

The mandala was displayed again this year at Buchan Park, where it stood out as a centerpiece of the festival. Visitors praised the artwork’s detail and joyful colors, which reflected the festival’s themes of community and environmental stewardship.

The piece is now temporarily housed at The Open Studio, where efforts are underway to preserve it for long-term display with several coats of polyurethane sealant.

Schwab is currently seeking volunteers to help with the sealing process. She also welcomes inquiries from schools and community groups interested in creating new collaborative art projects.

To get involved or to view the mandala, contact The Open Studio at 380 Old Englewood Road, Englewood, FL, or visit www.theopenstudio.org. Schwab can also be reached through her website, www.ritaschwabfineart.com.

The Open Studio is a nonprofit community arts center dedicated to supporting creativity and artistic exploration through classes, workshops and exhibitions. It serves artists of all levels in a welcoming, resource-rich environment. For more information, email info@theopenstudio or call (802) 473-0808.