On Sunday, April 15 at 3 pm, all are welcome at the West Tisbury library for the next Death Café, hosted by Cape Cod Death Café co-founder Heather Massey. According to a press release, the gathering will provide a comfortable atmosphere in which to share a respectful, thought-provoking, and life-affirming conversation on the topics of death, dying, and bereavement.
Death Café is an international movement started in Europe to encourage people to talk about the taboo subject of death. The concept originated with Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz, who held Cafe Mortel events in Switzerland, and later in France, beginning in 2004. At these events, people came together in a relaxed, confidential, and safe setting to discuss death. The idea was taken to the U.K. by John Underwood, and has since expanded into the U.S. and other countries around the world. The objective is to increase awareness, with a view to lessening the fear of death while enhancing life. A Death Café is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes, nor affiliated religious organization. It is a discussion group, rather than a grief support or counseling session. For more information, visit deathcafe.com.
Following the Death Café, Woods Hole artist Joan Lederman will present “Memorializing in Community: Events and Objects,” a visual presentation showing sketched ideas developed into completed projects including a memorial ceremony, a book, and multiple ceramic commissions made with people who approached her to commemorate lives of their loved ones. She’ll tap audience members for their ideas on how community can create unique ceremonies and artifacts for keeping memories alive as family stories continue into future generations.
Both the Death Cafe and presentation are free and open to the public. Cake will be served.
