Thantatopsis - Contemplations on Death, Grief, and Renewal

is a partnership program presented by the Royal Nebeker Gallery at Clatsop Community

College and Astoria Visual Arts, September 21 through October 22 featuring an art exhibition at

the Royal Nebeker Gallery and five accompanying public events and workshops. Community

members are invited to attend all events to reflect on mortality, grief, healing, and the shared

experience of loss. All events and workshops are free thanks in part to funding from Oregon

Humanities with support from Meyer Memorial Trust.

The month-long art exhibition Thanatopsis at the Royal Nebeker Gallery features three artists

and practicing end-of-life doulas, Marne Lucas (Portland, OR), Dardinelle Troen (Astoria, OR),

and Emma Lewis Acker (Brooklyn, NY). Thanatopsis includes collage, assemblage works on

paper, sculpture, and photography on paper and silk. Colesie Tharp (Portland, OR) will present

two interactive Remembrance Altars on the CCC campus and at Astoria Visual Arts. RSVPs are

appreciated for the four workshops at astoriavisualart@gmail.com, but are not required to

attend.

An end of life doula or “death doula” is a non-medical emotional, spiritual, and practical support

role that advocates for the wishes of the dying person and their loved ones. They can also

provide grief support, assist with legacy projects, provide education on the dying process, and

help make burial plans. The artists share an ethos of caregiving and end of life care advocacy in

art and life.

Artist Talk and Workshops

End of Life Doula + Artist Panel Talk with Emma Lewis Acker, Marne Lucas, Dardinelle