“From word one Carmen brings her skills as an artist to the heart of her teaching. I felt her generosity and compassion with me, a very beginner art student.

Her instructions are clear and concise. I know the tools to use to draw the Buddha at home. I know the beauty and sacredness of the symbols I see.

I am taking home with me an image I created on paper and an experience of the sacred. Carmen is an inspiration to me and I will seek opportunities to study with her again. What a joy to share this experience with a fantastic group of classmates!”

Diane N., Pennsylvania, USA
Retreat Week at Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY

“My experience in the classes at the RMA and Tibet House with Carmen Mensink was very special. Along with great skill in Tibetan Tangkha painting her knowledge of the integration of the symbols and Philosophy was shared in a precise and lucid manner. I have always been interested in Tibetan Art and Carmen’s explanations expanded my  connection to it and brought it to life in a very real way.       

Carmen created an atmosphere of ease with the absence of pressure that made learning  new techniques really joyful and satisfying.  As a person, Carmen expresses her support and encouragement with the great generosity and spirit of a true teacher. I was inspired to continue practicing with the new methods I learned  and to continue working on a Mandala that has remained unfinished for some time now. I am really looking forward to her next visit to New York.”

Al Gorgoni, New York City, USA, Thangka art classes at Rubin Museum of Art & Tibet House, NYC

“Having been stuck in my own art practice for a number of years, Carmen’s class helped me not only break through that stuckness, but also integrate new, old & unfolding learnings. It is a beautiful amalgamation of mindfulness, art, meditation. We learned, applied & had opportunity to try new techniques & ask plenty of questions. I look forward to taking class again with Carmen next year.“

Lisa Evert, Ohio
Thangka Retreat Week at Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY

“We had a really fun five days, Carmen was really a dedicated teacher, it was amazing how we all didn’t really know what we were doing at first, but got guided through the process and we all ended up making nice stuff IMO. …We did a cool meditation every morning that was tied into the specific buddha that we were all drawing/painting. Carmen’s great – sincere, supportive, humble & enthusiastic.”

Vlad Lewis, Massachusetts, USA
Retreat Week at Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY