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Grief and art can be a powerful combination as grief is often difficult to put into words. Art provides another way to express emotions, memories and experiences that may feel overwhelming and impossible to describe verbally.

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In the fast moving, and often troubling, society of today, it is difficult to  recognise the layers of grief that we carry. There are many losses we endure throughout our lives and most are not acknowledged.  Grief and loss touches us all.
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 "When we gather in community for a grief ritual, the many tributaries of sorrow flow into the room. they swirl around us, touching everyone in the circle.  This is our shared sorrow, the communal cup from which we all drink. It is ours to hold and to gradually empty. We do this together as we enter the healing ground."  Francis Weller.

When we lose someone dear to us, often, others don't know what to say. Their ideas of what grief looks like can add pressure and stress, without them meaning to.  Within this group you will be held with understanding as you explore internally.

This group may benefit those who have experienced:

• the death of a parent, partner, or child
• the loss of a marriage
• cancer and other chronic illnesses that depress and debilitate
• a home lost through foreclosure, or fire
• broken childhoods filled with dysfunction
• the lingering scars of those who fought in wars
• lives lost to addiction

• prevailing sorrow for our struggling world. ​

During these sessions, we will take the time to connect to our own natural human rhythms.

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Through art making we can engage with our difficulties in ways that are potentially transformative.
​Through ritual, there will be an opportunity for release.

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​Inspired by Francis Weller's book, The Wild Edge Of Sorrow, these sessions will move through the five gates of grief: 
​- Everything we will love, we will lose
- The places that have not known love
- The sorrows of the world
- What we expected and did not receive
- Ancestral grief

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You do not need any artistic skill to participate. The power is in the process, and there is no expectation of an aesthetically pleasing end product.
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Relax in a confidential space with others who understand.

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Parksville

​Open Houses - Sept 10th and Sept 24th
​2:00-3:00 pm

The Open House times are designed for you to meet Pam, see the space, and ask any questions you may have.

Come and drop-in during the hour.

​​You can also email below and arrange a phone call or zoom meeting.
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Advantages of a closed group focused on grief:

• Smaller group - 6 maximum
• Opportunity to participate in a deeper connection to your art, your grief journey, and the art therapist.

Register Here

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This group is for those who want to:

• Express feelings that are hard to verbalize
• Maintain a connection to a loved one who has died
• Explore complex emotions such as sadness, anger, guilt, relief, or confusion
• Create meaning from a loss
• Reduce stress and emotional overwhelm
• Document memories and personal stories
• Develop coping strategies during the grieving process

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​Thursdays 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Oct 8, 15, 22, 29 and Nov 5, 12, 19, 26
Cost : $240 
Maximum group size is 6 people
The sessions will have tea provided and include a journal.

All sessions will take place in person at the
McMillan Arts Centre,
133 McMillan St., Parksville, B.C.
Upstairs in the art studio.

When you register through Ticket Tailor, you will have the option to  pay by paypal or e-transfer

Register Here

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Cancellation Policy: If you withdraw before attending the sessions, you will receive 50% of your money back. If you attend one session and withdraw, you will receive 50% of remaining sessions.
​If you attend two or more sessions, there are no refunds for missed sessions. You will receive an email outlining the theme and art invitation that was missed, so you can participate from home.

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Everyone is welcome. Just come as you are.

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 Individual sessions are available either in person or on zoom.
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Port Alberni - Check back in August for Fall Session Dates.
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