First Friday Artwalk: "A Fine Farewell"-
A Collection of Alternative Burial Containers and Silk Burial Sh
By Marian Spadone (runs 11/4-11/29)
My name is Marian Spadone, and what I do is assist people, through education, information and guidance, to reclaim the loving act of caring for the dead and creating home funerals. I also make hand painted silk and linen burial shrouds.
Until only 2 or 3 generations ago, most families took charge of caring for their own dead. Now, with our culture's increasing emphasis on professionalism, we have been made to think that friends or family members don't know how or aren't "allowed" to care for a body after death. We think a body must be embalmed for sanitary reasons. We think that there's only one kind of container to be buried in, called a casket, which must be bought at a funeral home. None of this is true!
I am deeply called to this work. I want to encourage people to take on this blessed and potent experience rather than handing it over automatically to "the professionals". Participating in this way can engage the grieving process profoundly and speed healing and acceptance of all of the losses in our lives.
All of my shrouds and many other alternative burial containers and funerary art will be on display at the gallery so it will be a good chance to see all of that. In addition, I'll be sharing information, a suggested reading and internet resource list, a video and hopefully some personal stories and discussion from the audience. I'm looking forward to seeing you there!
More Information: 541-201-1004 e-mail:
[email protected]