Message in A Bottle. Shara.
Community through Connection Art-making. 2021.
McNally House Hospice & Grimsby Public Art Gallery.
November 16th was National Bereavement Day (the third Tuesday of each November). Sharing this week a relevant and worthwhile post about another engaging community project for McNally House Hospice, ‘Message in a Bottle’ that was designed and facilitated by Shara McLaren - Art Therapist DTATI (Candidate) RP (Qualifying).
Shara generously shares below the project invite (of intention and reflection) provided to all participants who visit the space at Grimbsy Public Art Gallery. Alongside the invite, photos of ‘Message in a Bottle’ highlight the progression and evolution of this community legacy piece, that accrues impact with each remembrance. The colour and glass additions (as more and more messages are added) light up the rustic structural frame, honouring these needed written expressions in note form. Each additional reflection gives presence, colour, beauty and a voice (albeit in a quiet and private form of communication) to those who participate with their personal messages, contributing to a richly inclusive memorial work.
Through my art therapy lens, I view such layers of meaning and engagement germane to a collective community experience, as each personal offering connects the experience of grief to shared comforts and support. Thanks for sharing Shara! I imagine your project will resonate with so many who are seeking meaning and support in their individual grief journeys. I have provided links and information after Shara’s outline and invite related to this post for those interested in connecting with or following these organizations.
“A hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore,
Seems I’m not alone at being alone –
A hundred billion castaways
Looking for a home ”
Image Credit • Shara McLaren • McNally House • 2021
Project Background. A Message in a Bottle.
“A message in a bottle is a form of communication in which a message is sealed in a container (typically a bottle) and released into a conveyance medium (typically a body of water).
The lore surrounding messages in bottles has often been of a romantic or poetic nature. Use of the term message in a bottle has expanded to include metaphorical uses or uses beyond it’s traditional meeting as bottled messages released into oceans.
Sending a message in a bottle has been described as an act that has such a delicious potential for magic or a surrendering a part of yourself to something larger.”
Image Credit • Shara McLaren • McNally House • 2021
Shara’s Invitation:
Invitation for participation/engagement in community art making message in a bottle.
Understanding that this may be difficult, you are encouraged to take a moment to reflect on any personal experiences with death, dying, loss and bereavement.
Take a pause, and a moment to breathe…
You are then invited to select a piece of paper and jot down any thoughts and or words that you would like to express.
Once you have written your message roll tightly and place it within the glass bottle provided.
Image Credit • Shara McLaren • McNally House • 2021
Next you are invited to choose the placement of your message in a bottle on the frame provided; as participation and engagement increases, the Message in a Bottle art-making produces a visual representation of our Community through Connection.
Image Credit • Shara McLaren • McNally House • 2021
“We love to watch our community art piece, Message in a Bottle, grow as our community stops and reflects on what grief means to them. Thank you to @thegpag and @grimsbylibrary for hosting this project.”
Image Credit • Shara McLaren • McNally House • 2021
Follow-Connect • Shara
Shara McLaren • Art Therapist • DTATI (Candidate) • RP (Qualifying) • Linked-In
Other Community Themed Projects Designed and Facilitated by Shara McLaren.
• Youtube Video: Virtual Opening Reception, Art of Resilience, 2021 Juried Exhibit • In Collaboration with McNally House Shara submitted a community art piece based on the theme of community resilience in the pandemic. The exhibit, The Art of Resilience, will be displayed in St. Catherine’s city hall in the fall.
• Youtube Video: GPAG: HOPE Squared Community Creativity Project 2021 • Grimbsy Art Gallery • Shara’s art can be viewed at the 4:16-4:24 point of the video.
• AP Connections Blog Post: Hope Squared Part 1
• AP Connections Blog Post: A Safe Space for Creativity & Wellness.
McNally House Hospice. Info.
Website • www.mcnallyhousehospice.com
Instagram • @mcnally_house
“Since 2008, McNally House Hospice is a residential setting that provides 24 hour specialized palliative care, free of charge, to people living with a life-limiting illness, as well as those in their life circle.”
The Grimsby Public Art Gallery.
Website: Town Of Grimsby • GPAG
• Gallery Info. The Grimsby Public Art Gallery • 18 Carnegie Lane, Grimsby, ON L3M 1Y1
• GPAG Hours.
Tuesday 10- 8 p.m.
Wednesday 10 - 5 p.m.
Thursday 10 - 8 p.m.
Friday 10 - 5 p.m.
Saturday 1 - 5 p.m.
“Established in 1975, the GPAG is a non-profit public art gallery, featuring exhibitions of contemporary artwork. We also offer a wide range of art classes and workshops for both children and adults, school tours and workshops, special events, and more. The Gallery Shop offers a large selection of unique, hand-crafted gifts made in Canada. Find out about the many opportunities we have for artists.”
Grimsby Public Library.
Website • Facebook Group
Library Info. 18 Carnegie Ln, Grimsby, ON L3M 1Y1
“Fostering innovation and creating connections, the Grimsby Public Library is a vital and accessible destination for culture, technology and relevant 21st century literacies. Our mission is to enrich lives, connect our community, and inspire discovery.”
Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. Info.
Website • www.chpca.ca
Instagram • cdnhpcassn
“Advancing and advocating for quality end-of-life/hospice palliative care in Canada, its work includes public policy, public education and awareness. Established in 1991, its volunteer Board of Directors is composed of hospice palliative care workers and volunteers from Canadian provinces and territories as well as members-at-large.”
National Bereavement Day • Info.
National Bereavement Day • the third Tuesday in November
National Bereavement Day • Resources
“The third Tuesday in November marks the annual National Grief and Bereavement Day in Canada. On this day, CHPCA encourages Canadians to engage government and all sectors of Canadian society in a national dialogue to identify and support access to the necessary resources for those living with grief and bereavement.”