BELONGINGS: Bringing Memories to Life

What do we do with the things our loved ones leave behind?

Join award-winning filmmaker Danièle Wilmouth for an intimate, three-hour workshop exploring how meaningful objects can become powerful vessels for memory, healing, and creative expression.

Drawing from her own artistic practice, Danièle will share how she uses photographs, letters, family documents, music, treasured objects, and stop-motion animation to honor loved ones and transform personal stories into lasting works of art.

Participants are invited to bring one to three meaningful objects that hold a special memory or story. Through film excerpts, guided conversation, and creative brainstorming, you'll explore ways to preserve family history through storytelling, writing, journaling, archival materials, and simple stop-motion animation techniques. No filmmaking or artistic experience is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to reflect.

Whether you're looking to preserve family memories, process grief, or discover new creative ways to tell your story, this workshop offers a welcoming space for reflection, connection, and inspiration.

Registration:
• $30 per person
• Limited to 12 participants
• Light snacks will be provided.

This workshop is presented in conjunction with Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind, on view September 4–October 4, 2026, at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. The exhibition explores migration, memory, and belonging through the treasured objects and personal stories that connect us across generations.

Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind is made possible through the generous support of California Humanities through its Connecting California grant program. We are also deeply grateful to our community partners and sponsors, including the North Bay Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition, Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League, Petaluma Arts Center, Life on Art, Zimbabwe Cultural Exchange Project of California, El Día de los Muertos Petaluma, Bolca Avia, Chelsea Antiques, Café Puente, Rustic Bakery, Quality Inn Petaluma, and all of the organizations, volunteers, artists, and community members whose collaboration has brought this exhibition to life.