Birds That Fly
I am devoted to contemplative practice and to creating conditions where becoming can unfold without force.
My role is not to instruct or shape outcomes, but to tend the space in which clarity, patience, and kindness can emerge.
My role is not to instruct or shape outcomes, but to tend the space in which clarity, patience, and kindness can emerge.
I offer meditation and contemplative art gatherings as a form of shared practice.
These spaces invite slowing down, listening, and staying with what is already present.
These spaces invite slowing down, listening, and staying with what is already present.
In this sense, my work is that of a midwife to becoming.
Nothing is imposed. Nothing is fixed. What arises belongs to each person.
Nothing is imposed. Nothing is fixed. What arises belongs to each person.
Meditation and Contemplative Art Practices
New Years Day Retreat 2026
January 1, 2026
10 am to 1 pm
10 am to 1 pm
A quiet beginning to the year through seated meditation, simple art making, and reflection. The emphasis is on steadiness, kindness, and allowing the year to begin without agenda.
To register, fill out the contact form or email me at ellen@ellenstern.com
To register, fill out the contact form or email me at ellen@ellenstern.com
The Art of Slowing Down
January 17, 2026
10-12:30
In November, lovely people showed up for themselves and this is the next
Offering at Ulna Studio
Drawing in Presence
Saturday February 14
1 to 2:30 pm
Church of Art
Register directly through Church of Art
Saturday February 14
1 to 2:30 pm
Church of Art
Register directly through Church of Art
This practice brings meditation into the movement of the hand. We draw as a way of noticing sensation, thought, and stillness as they arise. Attention itself is the teacher.
Exhibitions
My visual work arises from the same contemplative ground. These pieces are traces of sustained attention, lineage, and listening rather than statements or conclusions.
Ford Gallery
Opening Friday December 5, 6 to 9 pm
On view through December 28, 2025
2505 SE 11th Ave, Portland, Oregon
Opening Friday December 5, 6 to 9 pm
On view through December 28, 2025
2505 SE 11th Ave, Portland, Oregon
Gallery 114
Color Coded
Opening First Thursday January 8, 5 to 8 pm
On view through January 31
1100 NW Glisan St, Portland, Oregon
Color Coded
Opening First Thursday January 8, 5 to 8 pm
On view through January 31
1100 NW Glisan St, Portland, Oregon
Guardino Gallery
Opening February 2026
2939 NE Alberta St, Portland, Oregon
Opening February 2026
2939 NE Alberta St, Portland, Oregon