Public invited to tour labyrinth

A one-day labyrinth created by a UW–Madison graduate student will give walkers literal and figurative space to reflect on Friday, April 2.

Katja Marquart is finishing a master’s degree at the School of Human Ecology. She dates her fascination with labyrinths to 1997.

“I had a very profound initial reaction to them,” she says. “I saw the labyrinth not only as a pattern, but as a real, three-dimensional space. As a symbol, the labyrinth has been found in many cultures around the world and across time. Walking a labyrinth provides an opportunity to connect with a deeper part of self.”

Marquart says that walkers use labyrinths for prayer, meditation, conflict resolution and group celebrations, as well as an educational resource and more. This labyrinth, made of hand-painted canvas, is a modified version of the labyrinth constructed in about A.D.1200 on the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France.

“Canvas labyrinths are more versatile than permanent ones because they can be rolled up and moved to a number of locations,” Marquart says, noting that she may construct more labyrinths later in the year.

Meanwhile, this one will be at the Quarry Arts Building, 715 Hill St. across from Whole Foods. A brief informational session will open the event at 3 p.m., followed by open strolling until about 5 p.m. Marquart and other trained labyrinth facilitators will be on hand to answer questions and provide information.