WILTON – For about 25 years, artist-teacher Linda Wyman, who died in 2010, created Flower Prayers For Peace. Recently, samples of her work and a celebration of her life were presented at the Wilton Public-Gregg Free Library by her son Aaron Dermon and Katherine Schimke, metal workers and jewelry makers who have a studio at Riverview Mill called Copper and Wire.

Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning “circle,” and they have been incorporated into both Buddhist and Hindu symbolism. Mandalas can be reproduced in almost any medium. They consist of an endlessly repeated pattern around the circle, symbolizing the cosmos or universe.

Wyman chose photographs of flowers for her creations. She planted and tended the flowers until the blooms were perfect. She then photographed the blossoms, copied the prints and hand cut each flower. She arranged the flowers on a grid until it was what she wanted. It took her many hours to create each mandala and over the years she created more than 125 of them.

Her philosophy, what she called her “mission statement,” was read at the program.

“All art has a message. The message of my flower Prayer for Peace Mandala is, very simply, peace. Globally, I wish my images to promote peace on earth. Personally, I wish my images to give the viewer peace of mind.”

The large copies of her mandalas, originally about 18-inches across, show the details of the flowers she used, including lilies, daffodils and lilacs, reproduced dozens of times and fitted into the circle. Some are very simple, using one or two flower images, and some are extremely intricate using many flowers and colors. Mandalas begin with a central image and then radiate outward in widening circles until the desired size and effect is achieved. Both shape and color are harmoniously repeated.

Wyman wrote: “I strive to create mandalas that spin and dance in happy aliveness as well as mandalas that create a sense of centeredness, stillness and serenity. They are based on the classical concept of beauty and order. I want people to look at them and feel good. I want people to meditate upon my mandalas, deeply feeling the joy and well-being that comes from experiencing nature’s wondrous, beauteous, abundance.

“As an artist, I reach out in warm friendship, creating images with flowers and circles. Each of my imaes is fervent hope filled with the wish for new beginnings for peace. I like that my arts message is positive, pleasurable and easily understood by any viewer.”

Wyman taught at the school in Winchester for 25 years.

Copper and Wire Studio is in the process of moving into a new space on the first floor of Riverview Mill. When the move is complete, within a few weeks, they will host an open house. Many of Wyman’s creations will be on display.

The studio is currently on an upper floor, and is open Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit copperandwire.com.