A day of reflection with study of historic gardens, poetry and music is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, at the Institute for Spirituality and the Arts located at Edmonds United Methodist Church.

The retreat will be led by Victoria Scarlet, Director of the multi-faith-oriented Center for Sacred Art in Seattle, an educational organization dedicated to exploring sacred art and contemporary spiritual practice.

“I’m interested in cloister gardens found in the center of medieval monasteries,” Scarlett said recently, citing examples in the “Cloisters” branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “These open spaces, surrounded by monastery buildings and covered arcades, were sanctuaries that encouraged spiritual reflection. They encouraged people to look inward.

“I’m intrigued by cultural exchange and resonances, and how European cloisters drew in part from the Islamic world and a type of Persian garden design that divided the space into quadrants, with a water feature in the center,” she continued. “It’s a powerful symbol of spiritual source at the center of life. Both these garden types are an important part of this program. We’ll also be looking at stunning contemporary gardens — meditation gardens, prayer gardens, peace gardens–based on similar spiritual principles. There will be lots of gorgeous slides to inspire people, and help stimulate reflection on what kind of garden designs and sacred symbols are personally meaningful.”

The day retreat runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Scarlett requests that participants bring a sack lunch and a flower. Advance registration is required through the Institute for Spirituality and the Arts, online or by calling 425-778-2119. More information can be found at www.centerforsacredart.org. The Institute is a Ministry of the Edmonds United Methodist Church, located at 828 Caspers St. The day retreat will be in the chapel.