World Renowned Artist Coming to Dar al Islam July 24-27

By Karima Alavi

All photos: Compliments of Adam Williamson

“Straight is the line of duty, curved is the line of beauty.”
Hassan Fathy, Egyptian architect, designer of the Dar al Islam mosque

Societies from ancient days to the present have understood the power of sacred geometry, and its ability to bring us to a sense of peace that draws our hearts close to a divine presence. If you’ve ever wanted to learn about the hidden patterns beneath all geometric patterns, and learn how to make them yourself, this is your chance.

Adam Williamson of London is known across the world not only as an artist, but as a master teacher as well. His clients have included His Royal Highness Prince of Wales (now King Charles III), the Shakespeare Globe Theater, Westminster Abbey, Kew Gardens, Oxford University and the British Museum.

Williamson will be offering a four-day retreat, “Art of Islamic Pattern,” at Dar al Islam July 24-27. Participants can stay on site or seek rental accommodations in the area. A series of distinct but complementary classes, accompanied by lectures, will be offered by Adam and a group of seven tutors. Experienced artists as well as beginners are all welcome to join this event.

Want to bring your non-participant partner or family? No problem. There are links on the Dar al Islam website to order meals for them, or meals plus accommodations. Your travel companions can explore the natural beauty of the Dar al Islam site, or visit area attractions. They can ride horses at Ghost Ranch, swim at Abiquiu Lake, or visit Santa Fe or Taos while you’re in class.

​​The onsite program will include the following classes and activities:

• Drawing classes ~ Geometric and Biomorphic patterns
• Natural pigment making class ~ Make your own water color set
• Painting geometry session ~ with Samira Mian
• Adobe brick-making demo ~ Learn about the local vernacular architecture and its connections to Islamic art around the world
• Ceramic workshop ~ Glaze (paint) and fire your own tile on an overnight campfire 
• Movement and Meditation ~ Optional morning movement and meditation sessions 
• Nature walks ~ Optional ~ Discover the incredible surrounding remote and silent environment, for sunrise and sunset canyon adventures

For those interested in attending singular classes rather than the full four-day retreat, all classes are open to the public for a registration fee of $65. Registration links are on the Dar al Islam website.  (See below)
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Though these designs can look complex, students are guided every step of the way toward creating stunning works of art using nothing more than the traditional tools of compass and ruler. (Supplied by the program.) Once you leave the campus, you’ll have handouts with step-by-step instructions to guide you on your independent exploration of this artform.

Student works in progress

Besides drawing, there are classes in three-dimensional construction and patterning using both paper and clay.

"An amazing experience. I was honored to participate and contribute with the tile project."
​-Fabiola De la Cueva

Participants gather for a group photo

"Thank you, Adam! This was my first in-person workshop with you at DAI and was my first getaway from Santa Fe in a long time too. The mosque in Abiquiu was just so grounding and beautiful. I look forward to more workshops with you in the future."
​-Margot Guerrera

Adam offering step-by-step instructions

Just completed running this program in DAI up in the remote wilds of New Mexico. Super fortunate to have a talented team of experts join me up in the mountains including John Martineau aka @woodenbooks Celtic Patterns by Adam Tetlow @adamtetlowteaching Sacred Geometry by @aloriaweaver @davidheskinart Paper polyhedra by Ricardo Hinojosa @kamikyodai and Biomorphic drawing by Christopher Riederer @mistoph . Local catering by Kohinoor- @rehana2323 and campfire ceramic project by @fabs_designs and Luis who build a homemade draft kiln and sourced the natural glazes. Also special thanks to Rafaat.

INTERESTED IN ATTENDING?

For more information and to register for all or part of this exciting program, click here:

https://artofislamicpattern.com/study-trips/new-mexico-summer-school-july-2025/