June 21-26, 2026
5-Day Tibetan Art Retreat
Create a Tibetan Mandala
Learn to draw the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas
Creating the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas
Discover the sacred beauty of Tibetan Buddhist art in a peaceful retreat setting.
Dive deeper into Tibetan Buddhist art by learning to draw or paint the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas —
Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, and Vairocana – the five manifestations of enlightened mind.
Each Buddha embodies a color, element, direction, and wisdom, transforming a specific negative emotion into a positive energy.
Through drawing, short meditations, and reflection, you’ll invite these transformative qualities into your own life.
Each day focuses on one of the Five Buddhas and their corresponding wisdom.
You can choose to depict the Buddhas themselves or their symbolic representations – guided step-by-step by Carmen.
No previous drawing experience required — beginners and experienced artists alike are welcome.
Note: Students joining the full-week-retreat will get the most out of this experience and will in addition learn to draw the Face of the Buddha and the sacred Lotus Flower. See this box for more info:
Join Carmen Mensink, renowned thangka painter from the Netherlands, for an inspiring journey into the art and symbolism of thangka – traditional Tibetan Buddhist scroll paintings. This year you can join for different time lengths and subjects:
Weekend Retreat: An Introduction to Tibetan Art
June 19-21, 2026 | A beautiful introduction for those who are curious about Tibetan Buddhist Art and want to get some hands-on experience by learning to draw the Buddha Face and the Lotus Flower.
Five Day Retreat: Create a Tibetan Mandala
June 21-26, 2026 | Always wanted to learn how to draw a Tibetan Mandala? Then the five-day retreat is perfect for you. READ MORE
Week Retreat: The In-Depth Experience
June 19-26, 2026 | The full-week retreat offers the most complete and in-depth experience, with a choice of -or all of- the aforementioned subjects, and in addition teaches you about special thangka painting techniques.
READ MORE
Other Info & Registration
Saturday: Sunday: At the end of the weekend, you’ll take home two meaningful artworks and a deep connection to the tradition. NOTE: The exact times will be announced on the Omega Institute website when registration opens (March 3, 2026) Some pics of previous thangka retreats at Omega Institute:
The weekend begins with a beautiful Lecture on the Art of Thangka — discover the origins, meaning, and spiritual depth of this ancient art form.
Experience the Art of Thangka hands-on by learning the sacred grids and proportions used to draw the Buddha Face, passed down through centuries.
Create the Lotus Flower, symbolizing purity and enlightenment — a meditative drawing practice that brings calm and clarity.
Suitable for all levels, including complete beginners.
Carmen Mensink only visits the East Coast for a short period once a year. Take the opportunity to learn much more from her:
June 11, 2026 / NYC / Workshop: drawing the Mudras of Tara- June 11, 2026 / Online from NYC / Lecture: Green Tara, the Buddha of Active Compassion
- June 12, 2026 / NYC / Evening Workshop: Introduction to Thangka Art + Draw a Buddha Face
- June (11+) 13-14, 2026 / NYC / Thangka Weekend Course: Green Tara, the Buddha of Active Compassion
- June 19-21, 2026 / Rhinebeck, NY / Thangka Art Introduction Weekend at Omega Institute
- June 21-26, 2026 / Rhinebeck, NY / 5-Day Thangka Drawing Retreat at Omega Institute
- June 19-26, 2026 / Rhinebeck, NY / Thangka Painting Retreat Week at Omega Institute