This program is being offered in-person. In order to participate, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with Susan Oetgen

Mortality & Meaning: A Death Café and Open Studio Practice is a day-long in-person workshop meant to provide a communal space for exploring how our mortality allows us to create a meaningful life. In the morning, we will engage in a supportive group dialogue in the form of a Death Café, followed by a guided art activity to deepen our inquiry. In the afternoon, we will engage in self-directed creative work in an open studio format, grounded in Expressive Arts Therapy practices. By musing upon the mystery of death with creativity and in community, we will aim to affirm and revitalize the meaning of life. All are welcome — you don’t need to identify as an artist to benefit.

What is a Death Café?

A Death Café is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session. It is meant ‘to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives’. Find more information about Death Cafés here.

What is open studio?

Open studio is a practice of making art in parallel with others in a communal setting, where individuals are free to engage their own self-directed, creative process, with ample time for in-depth exploration and a flexible approach to materials and techniques. Participants are welcome to bring a work-in-progress or begin a new work, in studio.

What is Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive Arts Therapy playfully combines the visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing and other creative processes to foster deep personal growth and community development. As an integrative therapeutic modality, Expressive Arts Therapy can stand alone or support other forms of mental healthcare. Find more information about this creative approach to wellbeing here.

What materials are needed?

Smith Center will provide supplies such as paper, paints and brushes, markers, oil and chalk pastels, collage materials, clay, some hand-held musical instruments, and more. Participants are encouraged to bring their own favorite art materials and boxes or bags to carry finished artworks home safely. Headphones for listening to music while working are helpful to have on hand, too.

Will lunch be served?

We will have a 90-minute break for lunch and participants are encouraged to bring their lunch to eat on-site or explore the many excellent restaurants in the neighborhood. Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be available in the morning and afternoon sessions.

Suggested Donation: $25

About Susan Oetgen

Susan Oetgen is an intern with the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts’s therapy program.  Currently working towards a master’s degree in mental health counseling and expressive arts therapy at Lesley University, Susan is dedicated to the arts as a trauma-informed, culturally responsive pathway to healing for individuals and communities. Her current creative wellness inspirations include herbal medicine, hot yoga and slow fashion.