Imagine coming up from a downward dog yoga position to face a beautiful piece of artwork rather than a lifeless wall.

That combination of yoga and art provides “inspiration for the mind, body and spirit,” said Sarah Massett, interim director of the Everson Museum of Art.

The museum is hosting Yoga Merges with Art: An Exploration of Lines, every Saturday from March 8 through May 10. The first session, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., is free. Subsequent classes are $5 for members and $10 for non-members. The event will give students who are either stressed from midterms or staying in Syracuse for Spring Break a chance to relax.

In its third year, the program allows participants to perform yoga in the different Everson art galleries. The class is among some of the most popular hosted at the museum, Massett said.

This isn’t the average yoga class someone would experience at a studio or gym — it’s much more lively. The artistic spaces offer a one-of-a-kind experience, Massett said. The relaxation becomes more intense when people are surrounded by art, she said

As the program has continued through the years, the style has changed and so have the locations of the classes. This session will be held in the upstairs gallery, one of the largest spaces in the museum. The space has received positive feedback from past attendees, Massett said.

A local expert teaches the classes. Dara Harper, a yoga instructor of 15 years, has worked with and has been taught by professionals, including John Friend, the founder of Anusara School of Health and Yoga, and Tom Myers, the author of “Anatomy Trains.”

Harper teaches different classes throughout Syracuse, but her focus is always the same: pose precision. Her specialty is alignment-based yoga, in which she teaches people how to reach the best possible poses through practice and by showing her students poses, such as the plank.

“The instructor is absolutely fantastic,” Massett said. Massett’s sentiments towards Harper’s teaching are supported by testimonials on Harper’s website that say her skills are a form of “instructional artistry.”

Harper’s goal is to create a “strong foundation for beginners and powerful classes for seasoned practitioners,” according to her website.

Those who have never tried yoga shouldn’t be discouraged. The classes aren’t just for those that have attained advanced mastery of the exercise; patrons of all yoga skill levels, from beginners to borderline professionals, are welcome to attend the classes. The instructor teaches everyone at the same pace.

Most students who attend the classes are adults, Massett said. The class demographic typically ranges from college-aged students to people in their 60s. Yoga appeals to people of any background, she said.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own yoga mats and blankets, as supplies and spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, it is advised that people dress comfortably, as classes involve plenty of moving around.

Harper also offers private lessons, classes and workshops if patrons want to experience more anatomical alignment. More information is available through the Everson Museum of Art.

Published on March 6, 2014 at 1:59 am