The Art of Grief

A Mini-Retreat Offering a Creative Approach to Processing Loss

Grief is the emotional response to any loss that significantly impacts our lives. Whether it's the absence of a loved one or the symbolic loss of a dream, grief can manifest in a variety of emotions, including sadness, anger, and even a sense of relief.

This one-day retreat invites you to explore and process grief through the healing practices of mindful movement and creative expression. As we approach the holiday season—a time that can often intensify feelings of loss and longing—it's especially important to create space for ourselves to process these emotions.

Using clay hand-building and the unpredictable beauty of Raku firing, you'll transform your experience into something tangible and meaningful. Whether you're facing loss, life transitions, or ambiguous grief, this retreat offers a safe, nurturing environment to honor your journey and find support in community.

 

WHAT?

  • A one-day retreat to explore grief as we enter the holiday season. During this sacred time of year—when Samhain, Halloween, and Día de los Muertos remind us of the connection between worlds—this one-day retreat offers a supportive space to explore grief. Through mindful yoga, clay hand-building, and a Raku firing ceremony, you’ll engage with your emotions and transform them in a creative, healing environment.

WHO is this for?

  • Anyone experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one or pet.

  • People grieving unmet expectations, life paths not taken, uncertainty or grief of any kind.

  • Individuals ready to explore grief through creative expression and mindfulness.

  • Those looking for community and connection on their healing journey.

  • NO prior experience with raku firing or pottery is necessary— all levels welcome

WHEN?

  • Saturday, November 2 | 10am-3pm

WHERE?

  • SP Gallery, 7431 Military Rd, Amelia Court House, VA 23002

WHY?

Grief touches us deeply, and sometimes we need more than words to process it. As we approach the holiday season—a time that can often intensify feelings of loss and longing—it's especially important to create space for ourselves to process these emotions.

Creative coping allows you to channel grief into artistic expression, providing a way to release emotions that might feel stuck or overwhelming. This retreat offers a timely opportunity to honor your grief through mindful clay work, helping you find meaning and healing before the emotional weight of the holidays sets in. With a community of support around you, this creative journey offers a pathway toward growth and transformation as you prepare for the season ahead.

What is included?

  • A handmade raku ornament/vessel to honor your loss during the holidays

  • Clay and materials to create a wall hanging that you create to embody your grief journey

  • Experience the traditional raku pottery method

  • Nourishing nibbles & Lunch

  • Tea & refreshments

  • Grief resources

How?

  • Register here

How Much?

  • $235

Meet the Hosts

Holly Zajur

Holly’s journey into grief work began in 2022 after the passing of her grandmother. This profound loss opened the door to a powerful relationship with grief, where Holly now sees it as an ongoing connection with loved ones lost. Since then, she has worked with grief therapists and shared insights about grief on her podcast, How the Wise One Grows. Holly finds healing and meaning in spiritual and creative practices, integrating grief into her daily life as a way of honoring the loved ones who have passed.

As a lifelong learner of yoga and mindfulness, Holly has dedicated her career to helping others cultivate these transformative practices. Whether she is guiding a retreat, coaching, or speaking, Holly is passionate about helping people live with intention and navigate life's transitions through mindfulness, creativity, and connection.

Kourtenay Plummer

Kourtenay Plummer is the artist behind Kourtenay Plummer Pottery. Born and raised in Chesterfield, Virginia, she discovered her passion for pottery at a young age and pursued her love for clay during her college years. With a strong commitment to education, Kourtenay taught art to children for many years. In 2020, Kourtenay lost her mother and grandfather suddenly, two of the most important people in her life. Amidst the grief and challenges of the pandemic, she made the significant decision to leave teaching and dedicate herself fully to her art. Despite this shift, her deep appreciation for education remains, and she envisions continuing to teach in some capacity throughout her life. Currently based between Amelia and Richmond area of Virginia, Kourtenay owns an art gallery and pottery studio, SP Gallery. Her passions continue to inspire and cultivate a love for art within her community.

Meet the Space

SP Gallery is a stunning destination encompassing an art gallery, a pottery studio, an art market and an antique showroom. Guided by the artistic vision of the father-daughter duo, Kevin and Kourtenay Plummer, this space bloomed out of grief and loss.

Both Kevin and Kourtenay were at a crossroads with their careers after the sudden losses of three very important people in their lives, including Kourtenay’s mother and Kevin’s wife, Deb. SP Gallery stands as a testament to coping with creativity, community, collaboration, and strength.

This unique space offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse range of artistic outlets and find inspiration in both contemporary and traditional works. With a focus on fostering artistic expression and bringing people together, SP Gallery is not just a place to view art but a vibrant community hub where creativity thrives.

-Ample parking is available on the premises.

-ADA accessible.

Imagine Your Day

  • You arrive at the serene S&P Gallery in Amelia, greeted by your group as you begin the day with a mindful movement practice and meditation. This practice will be focused on grounding yourself and acknowledging the emotions surrounding grief, allowing you to settle into the space. 

  • Connect with the earth and the raw, tactile nature of clay, symbolizing the process of shaping and working through grief. As you mold your piece, you’ll have the opportunity to give form to your emotions, externalizing the complex feelings associated with loss.

  • Enjoy a nourishing lunch and take some time for personal reflection and prepare for the letting go ceremony. Explore inspiration stations where different creative mediums are available for you to further process your grief, set intentions, or simply rest. This time allows you to intuitively guide yourself through what you need, without formal instruction.

  • We will engage in a letting go ceremony, weaving the energy of the five elements into the Raku firing. As the fire transforms your piece, this ritual will serve as a metaphor for releasing and transforming aspects of your grief that no longer serve you.

  • Complete your vessel and gather with your community for a final reflection. This space will allow you to share insights and experiences while considering how to integrate the tools and healing practices from the day into your ongoing grief journey.

✨ Maybe you’re considering joining us for the Art of Grief Mini-Retreat but aren’t sure if it might feel like too much, or if your grief feels too tender right now…✨

First and foremost, we want you to honor what you need. Here are a few things to consider to help you decide:👇

🌱 Our intention is to share tools for coping mentally, physically, and creatively with your grief journey.

✨The focus isn’t on the cause of grief or healing it, but rather on reframing how you relate to and process your grief.

🌈While grief holds many difficult emotions, it can also hold beautiful ones too—we want to create space for joy & connection during this time together.

🌿 There will be spaces for you to step away, create on your own, or simply be in nature—no questions asked.

🍂 The timing of this retreat is no coincidence—it happens after Halloween, Samhain, and Dia de Los Muertos, when the veil between worlds is said to be thinnest, offering a portal for deeper spiritual connection.

🎄 With the holidays approaching, this mini-retreat will include creative practices to support you during this challenging season.

💬 While this retreat is therapeutic, it isn’t meant to be like therapy nor a substitute for therapy.

💕 If you someone or something is missing from your community, this is a space to cultivate community support as you navigate your grief.

👉Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, we are honored to hold this space and want to help you make the right choice for you!