Grief isn’t the kind of theme or subject matter that an art exhibit would normally be organized around to draw visitors to marvel at expressions of on canvas or clay. In fact, its experience can be socially isolating, often only with the support of family members or close friends people suffering through it might hope to call upon. 

But a new art exhibit that opens this Friday at AntFarm Café and Bakery in Sandy aims to remove the stigma of talking about grief and center the reality of living with it. Now in its second year, “Grief Made Visible” is organized by Laura Lirette, the director of bereavement services at Mt. Hood Hospice. It showcases dozens of works of art and writing created by participants who attended grief support groups offered by the hospice. Prompts given during those sessions helped participants process their feelings and thoughts through writing and visual art, including painting and making collages. Joining us to talk about the exhibit are Lirette and participating artist Dina Renée, who shares her journey navigating the loss of loved ones.