Why is it “morbid” to talk about something that happens to every single one of us? Not talking about death won’t make it easier to manage.

Join Kathlene Bartlett and Julie Leighton-Phelps, Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Consultants, for an uplifting interactive adventure based on the works of the Death over Dinner creators.

A Death Café creates space for an open and relaxed conversation about death and dying and aims to shift the conversation around death from one of fear or avoidance to that of familiarity and comfort. Participants will sit around tables of 3-6 people for a confidential, group-directed discussion. Bring your experiences to share; bring your questions to ask. Share only what you are comfortable with—there is no pressure to tell the details of your personal story.

An article in Guelph Today about a past Death Café describes the mood of the event well:
Far from being morbid, bleak or despairing, the mood of the event was equal parts sorrowful, uplifting, and caring. The room, at times a din of laughter and passionate story-sharing, was divided into several smaller groups, mostly consisting of strangers. The intimate nature of the subject quickly created an atmosphere of empathy and trust, and the conversation flowed effortlessly.

We aim to create a space welcoming to all spiritual or religious beliefs or non-beliefs. This is a welcoming space to 2SLGBTQ folks.

Organized by North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network

The post Death Café: 2024 appeared first on MacLaren Art Centre.

Join us for an evening of ornament making! Irena Pawul will lead you through a series of knot making techniques as you create two to three macrame pieces to bring home or give as a gift to someone you love!

The post Macrame Ornaments 2 appeared first on MacLaren Art Centre.

Celebrate the holidays in creative style with regional artist Mariya Blyznyuk! In this special adult workshop, participants will become familiar with the history and function of the Christmas Star, one of the brightest symbols of the Ukrainian holiday season! Meant to bring a joyful atmosphere, the octagonal star is a symbol of light, the sun, and the religious season.

In Ukrainian tradition, carolers go from home to home and sing Christmas songs called Koliadky (from “calendar”), where they wish hosts a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The carolers wear special costumes and make-up. Young carolers carry the Christmas Star.

Mariya Blyznyuk will guide participants to create their very own Christmas star, that they can use and display for the holiday season! Materials provided. Register in advance as spots are limited.

The post Christmas Star: Holiday Symbols and Decorations in Ukraine appeared first on MacLaren Art Centre.

Celebrate the holidays in creative style with regional artist Mariya Blyznyuk! In this special workshop for children, participants will become familiar with the history and function of the Christmas Star, one of the brightest symbols of the Ukrainian holiday season! Meant to bring a joyful atmosphere, the octagonal star is a symbol of light, the sun, and the religious season.

In Ukrainian tradition, carolers go from home to home and sing Christmas songs called Koliadky (from “calendar”), where they wish hosts a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The carolers wear special costumes and make-up. Young carolers carry the Christmas Star.

Mariya Blyznyuk will guide participants to create their very own Christmas star, that they can use and display for the holiday season! Materials provided. Register in advance as spots are limited.

The post Christmas Star: Holiday Symbols and Decorations in Ukraine appeared first on MacLaren Art Centre.

The focus of the program aims to celebrate the artistic talents of creative Black youth who use art to amplify their voice. In a series of workshops scheduled in December and January, Ashante Blackwood will guide youth on how to conceptualize, communicate and visually represent ideas that will shine a light on their unique perspectives and stories, aimed to spark important conversations within community.

In January 2025, the artwork created by participating youth will be part of a group exhibition on display at the MacLaren Art Centre. An opening reception is planned for the evening of Monday, January 20 at the MacLaren. All are welcome!

The post Canvas for Change: Black Youth Art Celebration appeared first on MacLaren Art Centre.

Why is it “morbid” to talk about something that happens to every single one of us? Not talking about death won’t make it easier to manage.

At this special time of the season where many cultures honour or remember their deceased loved ones, join Kathlene Bartlett and Julie Leighton-Phelps, Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Consultants, for an uplifting interactive adventure based on the works of the Death over Dinner creators.

A Death Café creates space for an open and relaxed conversation about death and dying and aims to shift the conversation around death from one of fear or avoidance to that of familiarity and comfort. Participants will sit around tables of 3-6 people for a confidential, group-directed discussion. Bring your experiences to share; bring your questions to ask. Share only what you are comfortable with—there is no pressure to tell the details of your personal story.

An article in Guelph Today about a past Death Café describes the mood of the event well:
Far from being morbid, bleak or despairing, the mood of the event was equal parts sorrowful, uplifting, and caring. The room, at times a din of laughter and passionate story-sharing, was divided into several smaller groups, mostly consisting of strangers. The intimate nature of the subject quickly created an atmosphere of empathy and trust, and the conversation flowed effortlessly.

We aim to create a space welcoming to all spiritual or religious beliefs or non-beliefs. This is a welcoming space to 2SLGBTQ folks.

Organized by North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network

The post Lunch and Learn: Death Café appeared first on MacLaren Art Centre.

Join us for a fall-themed woodburning workshop with Shanique  Brown. Learn the art of basic woodburning as you explore step-by-step  pyrography techniques and learn about different types of wood. Create your own custom burn as you are inspired by the wonders of the fall  season.

The post Fall Woodburning appeared first on MacLaren Art Centre.

Join Monica Loney as she leads you through a creative and introspective  evening of art making. Relax and release what has been holding you back as you allow your creativity to flow through a meditative, blind contour  self-portrait. 

The post Meditative Self Portraits appeared first on MacLaren Art Centre.

Ignite your creativity and get inspired for the New Year! Design a personalized  sketchbook, discover experimental mark-making, and enjoy a dynamic  exploration of printmaking, collage, sculpture and more. Led by regional  artist Kim Brett, Imagination Ignited will be an exciting and fun-filled creative  adventure! 

The post Imagination Ignited! Winter Camp 2 (Ages 6-11) appeared first on MacLaren Art Centre.