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Organized by Jennie Beth Banks, Founder of Death Dancer, this Olympia Arts Walk Exhibit (Fall 2024) and month-long program of events seeks to explore and present various perspectives on death, dying, loss and living. The events and workshops will be led by a variety of people from the local death care community in the Puget Sound area of WA.
Our aim is to stimulate conversation around these topics as well as raise awareness of some of the local organizations and individuals working in the field. We are aware there are many more topics we could cover, but we hope to offer a good taster of some of the amazing things people are doing already in our community. The Art Exhibit and all events and workshops will take place in the same space in Downtown Olympia (see below), throughout October 2024, so that we can create a sacred space where death can be talked about and reflected upon, and remembrance can take place and be nurtured.
All are welcome to participate. The Olympia Arts Walk is free and you can drop in anytime. All other events are free with RSVP via this website and workshops are $10-$20 suggested donations to help cover supplies.
The Art will be viewable at all events and workshops.
**If you are a death professional or work in the local death care scene, please bring your own flyers to advertise your services or future events on our bulletin board or bring a few business cards for our entrance table.**
If you wish, bring a small photo of your loved one to add to the Memorial window (please don't bring originals if it is your only copy. Write your name and number on the back so we can return it to you later).
Art By Jennie Beth Banks & Musical Offerings by Special Guests
Create Poetry from your Experience with
Death, Loss and Grief
~ Facilitated by Cyndi O'Brien
Come and Ask our Panel the Questions you've Always Wanted to Ask about Death and Dying (Various Panelists)
Developing a New Understanding through the Stories of Others
~ Presented by Dr. Berry
Memorialization and Healing Event for Those who Have Experienced Perinatal Loss ~ Presented by Dr. Berry
Listen to Stories Rich with Life and Death
Under the Full Moon
~ Presented by Cyndi O'Brien
Explore and Document your Thoughts
on Death and Dying
~ Facilitated by Aypril Porter
The Art and Science of Human Composting
~ Presented by Laura Cassidy from Recompose, Seattle
Learn How to Embroider onto a Photograph of your Loved One
~ Facilitated by Jennie Beth Banks
~ Presented by Assistant Priest, Shih Yincheng
Cultivating the Peacebuilding Potential of
Palliative Care Practice in Rwanda
~ Presented by Dr. David Slack, MD.
Pop Up Death Cafe Conversation with Tea and Cake
~ Facilitated by Glenn Harper and
Jennie Beth Banks
Collective Sharing and Remembering
~ Facilitated by Jennie Beth Banks
and Friends
Delve into Historical Practices and Learn How to Honor your Ancestors
~ Presented by Karin Olsen
Find out how to submit your art for next year's collaborative exhibit
As this is a community project, we rely on volunteers to make things happen for the benefit of all.
We need help with marketing, posting flyers, art installation (last two weeks of September), setting up the room for events, technical help, or being on our welcome team in October. Please get in touch with us to discuss it more ~ info@deathdancer.org
This program of events is produced with support from Inspire Olympia funding, made possible by Olympia voters and supported by local tax dollars, so thank YOU for your support of the cultural sector.
We are grateful to the fiscal sponsor for our Inspire Olympia grant
~ The PARC Foundation of Thurston County