Newburyport Art offers Mourning Alters with Johanna Topitizer Finnegan

Altars offer sacred space for us to visit each day and make offerings of devotion to the loved ones in our lives – those who have passed and those still with us. They help us bring focus and ritual into our daily lives which can make us feel part of something larger than ourselves. Many cultures use altars throughout the year or on special days to remember those who have passed and remind them that we have not forgotten them.

In this workshop, we will talk about altars from other parts of the world and religions to see how they are traditionally created. Then, we’ll talk about what yours might include like pictures and symbols of your loved one to favorite objects that were treasured in their life. As we create these altars with love and remembrance, you are welcome to bring a story to share (optional) about your beloved animal or human. Hopefully, the piece you create will bring you peace as you display it and use it. Beginners as well as experienced artists are welcome to take the workshop. Johanna will guide you through using traditional box making techniques to build our alters. For ages 16 and up.