WAPPINGERS FALLS, New York — The year was 1974 when Alex and Allyson Grey crossed paths at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, now part of Tufts University. Bonded by a shared passion for art, they emerged from an engaging classroom environment focused on “performance, conceptual art, and mixed media.” Fast-forward over five decades, and their extraordinary artistic journey is encapsulated at Entheon, a museum nestled within the serene grounds of their nonprofit, Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (CoSM), located in Wappingers Falls, Upstate New York.
Entheon acts as an otherworldly exhibit space, showcasing Allyson’s intricate sacred geometric designs alongside Alex’s visionary paintings, punctuated by temporary exhibitions. This space serves not merely as a gallery but as a temple of artistic worship, education, and personal discovery through art. Visitors are invited to journey within themselves to uncover the divine essence that resides in everyone, through expansive visions that highlight our cosmic position—an integral aspect of a rising movement known as Visionary Art. This genre of art delves into consciousness, divine energy, and spirituality, often using psychedelics to birth works steeped in mystical themes and metaphysical symbolism. Drawing inspiration from Vajrayana Buddhism and an array of spiritual doctrines, the Grey’s artworks create encounters with cosmic energies and the divine.
I visited CoSM on a misty September afternoon, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement as preparations for a full moon gathering commenced. Since 2003, Alex and Allyson have hosted full moon ceremonies originating from their Brooklyn loft, inviting attendees to “pray for a creative spiritual life filled with love.” Experiencing Entheon is akin to being transported through the Greys’ artwork and the collective creations of other Visionary artists.
The crowning jewel is the Great Hall upstairs, a majestic, temple-like space dedicated to Alex’s Sacred Mirrors series (1979–88). This series explores life’s progression across 21 canvases, transitioning from a skeletal figure to a vibrant human form, eventually transcending into a resplendent fountain of light.
The inspiration for this unique space took root in 1985 when Alex and Allyson conceptualized a round, domed chapel showcases the Sacred Mirrors series. CoSM has since blossomed into a hub for spiritual reflection, community workshops, and various monthly events, including celestial celebrations where artists engage in conversations centered around consciousness. “Visitors feel empowered to recount their visionary and psychedelic experiences, especially those that link to creative endeavors,” shared Alex and Allyson.
Alongside their striking visuals, Alex, known for his album artwork for the band Tool, and Allyson, celebrated for her intricate geometry, emphasize that the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors embodies the transformative potential of Visionary Art as a means for personal growth. “CoSM is an Art Church and a welcoming refuge that celebrates life as a spiritual journey,” they remarked.
“When two individuals devote themselves to a collective vision, a ‘third force’ emerges, often greater than the sum of its parts,” they added, illuminating the importance of their enduring collaborative dynamic.
The first-floor gallery currently features Inner Sanctums, a group show showcasing works from notable artists like Judy Chicago, Bo Bartlett, Joe Coleman, and Kelsey Brooks among others.
According to Lauren Holland, Entheon coordinator, various benefactors, notably the late Marshall Frankel, an art collector, and his daughter, artist Bex Frankel Wilkinson, have played pivotal roles in realizing this vision. Currently, the organization is working on the exterior design of the Entheon building, which will feature elements such as dragons and murals, enhancing its whimsical character.
When I sought insights regarding the crux of CoSM’s mission—to provide healing through art—Alex and Allyson responded: “Psychedelic science and consciousness research have consistently shown that the deepest healing arises from mystical experiences. Visionary Art encapsulates the spirit of the mystical experience, attesting that art, music, dance, and performance can indeed serve as powerful healing forces.”
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