Shantigar Foundation
in Western Massachusetts
Arts
Meditation
Nature
Jean-Claude van Itallie, Founder
1936 - 2021
Jean-Claude van Itallie
Scholarship Fund
Winter at Shantigar
In the dark times
Will there be singing?
There will be singing
Of the dark times.
Bertolt Brecht, 1938
(David Constantine & Tom Kuhn, translations)
As the year turns, Shantigar is devoted to keeping the light alive. Our homestead is a sanctuary and seedbed where people renew energy and encourage each other. Together we will continue to cherish this land, break bread, and listen to one another while celebrating our collective voice.
Joining meditative and artistic practices
with the healing power of nature,
we can live more peacefully on our planet.
In 2024, through the dynamic strands of our founding mission—creativity, meditation, and engagement with nature—Shantigar was the place where people took a leap forward:
Practicing Chi Kung and yoga. Writing a play. Moving our bodies in a fluid relationship with nature. Meditation walks. Bird walks. Exploring ways of singing that convey emotional truth. Gathering around a vision for land regeneration. Movement building rooted in indigenous values.
This winter, Shantigar will take a pause to improve the house and plan Spring, Summer, and Fall programs. We invite you to join the design process. What kind of residential workshops or shorter experiences would bring you to Shantigar? In a world that has shifted so dramatically, what will fortify you? What experiences can contribute to our beloved community?
Weekly Chi Kung sessions will continue onsite, as will online meditation sessions and monthly theatre conversations. Shantigar will remain open for private rentals by groups aligned with our mission.
Thank You for Sharing Shantigar
Last year, Shantigar launched the Jean-Claude van Itallie Scholarship Fund to provide financial support to people desiring to attend workshops. Thanks to generous donors, we were able to distribute $1,500 in 2024. Bringing the Shantigar experience to the widest range of people, locally and far afield, is at the heart of our mission.
Jean-Claude van Itallie
Scholarship Fund
Our best wishes for the New Year,
Board Members—Connie Childs, Rand Engel, Didi Goldenhar, Deb Katz, Rosemary Quinn
Advisory Board Members—Josh Adler, Michael Schreiber, Marisa Viola
Private Group Rentals at Shantigar
https://www.shantigar.org/rentals
Shantigar is ideal for professional convenings, creative work, and meditation gatherings. Get close to what matters while immersed in our natural splendors. We offer space and time to restore, recharge, and engage in essential conversations.
Group rentals are available for a minimum of 3 people staying at least 2 nights. Our farmhouse and cabins can accommodate up to twelve people. For more information, please contact Shantigar co-director Deb Katz at (413)-834-3280 or administrator Peter Columbus: email@shantigar.org.
Grow the Community
Last year, a generous friend helped us launch the Jean-Claude van Itallie Scholarship Fund with a $3000 matching opportunity. Since then, Shantigar has received an additional $1000. Many thanks to all!
Please consider a gift to meet the match. We want to grow a diverse, flourishing community. For the 2024 workshops, we’ve already provided $750 in scholarships. The more we receive, the more we’ll give away.
Share The Shantigar Effect—where creativity, meditation, and nature meet.
Shantigar's Mission
To engage with the world from a more profound place through transformative workshops, retreats and performances.
Joining meditative and artistic practices with the healing power of nature, we can live more peacefully on our planet.
Jean-Claude van Itallie
Scholarship Fund