Altars of Grief and Remembrance: A Ritual and Art Experience

Schedule

Tue Oct 27 2026 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm

UTC-05:00
Location

5401 E Superior St, Duluth, MN, United States, Minnesota 55804 | Duluth, MN

Choose one, some, or all sessions
6:00–8:00 PM
Monday, October 12
Monday, October 19
Tuesday, October 27
Tuesday, November 3
Best for: Teens and adults. No prior art experience required.
Details and RSVP here: spiritofthelakearts.org/classes
In this four-session art and ritual experience, participants will learn about the tradition.of altar making in different cultures and explore their own experiences of grief and remembrance through a personal, three-dimensional memorial artwork.
Each gathering will begin and end with a brief grounding and reflection ritual, creating space to acknowledge the grief that brings us to the room and the gratitude we're taking with us when we leave. We'll learn how containers such as boxes, drawers, and suitcases can be transformed into spaces for remembrance. Participants will then work independently on their own projects, with the instructors circulating to offer guidance and support.
Your project will be created inside a portable container such as a shoebox, cigar box, small drawer, suitcase, or another container you can carry. You'll be invited to incorporate photographs, personal objects, and art materials that hold meaning for you. You might choose to honor a person, place, idea, relationship, or other meaningful loss.
Each session stands on its own, so you can attend one evening or return for additional time to work on your piece.
Participants will be invited to display their work at Duluth All Souls Night on Saturday, November 7 at the St. Louis County Depot Great Hall.
What You'll Gain
-Learn about the way many cultures create altars for those who have died.
-Create an in-progress, three-dimensional memorial artwork
-Explore ways to express grief and remembrance through objects, images, and creative work
-Begin at end each session with a grounding and reflection ritual
-Spend time creating alongside others in a supportive community setting
-Have the opportunity to share your work at Duluth All Souls Night
Materials
SOLCA will provide basic art supplies including scissors, glue, markers, colored pencils, paint, paper, and other decorative materials.
What to Bring
A container for your project, such as a shoebox, cigar box, small drawer, suitcase, or another portable container
Photos and/or personal objects connected to what or whom you are honoring
Any art supplies you'd like to use

Instructors: Paula Williams and Susan Ranfranz

Where is it happening?

5401 E Superior St, Duluth, MN, United States, Minnesota 55804
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Spirit of the Lake Community Arts
Host or PublisherSpirit of the Lake Community Arts

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