Grief Holiday represents both an artistic experiment and a community commitment: a way to be present with grief and connection through the power of art. By presenting art in a nontraditional venue dedicated to community care, cultural access is expanded beyond typical gallery audiences. This project affirms art’s power to serve urgent human needs while honoring Portland’s diverse communities. Grief Holiday invites participants to step away from daily life and enter an immersive environment designed to support reflection and community in the face of grief. Guests will move through artist-created spaces, soundscapes, ritual installations, visual works, and participatory storytelling, each encouraging different ways of engaging with loss.
Developed by artists Miche McCausey, Kendra Roberts, Alice Christine Walker, and Emily Fusaro the project transforms grief from an isolated burden into a collective experience. The intent is to provide a supportive setting where participants can acknowledge grief openly, share stories, and engage with tools for connection. Unlike traditional exhibitions, Grief Holiday places the audience at the center of the work, blending art, ritual, and community care into an active journey of presence.
The Grief Holiday team was assembled to combine artistic vision with practical expertise. Emily Fusaro is a design strategist, musician, and songwriter; Miche McCausey is a master carpenter, muralist, and certified death doula; Kendra Roberts is an artist, curator and producer with experience managing large-scale public art; and Alice Christine Walker is a photographer and multimedia installation artist. In partnership and individually, we have organized land art exhibitions, curated community-driven shows, and produced immersive experiences in Portland. This blend of independent and collective work ensures we bring both diverse expertise and proven capacity to Grief Holiday.
Due to the sensitive nature of this experience, all participants are encouraged to be mindful and respectful when entering the space.
The venue is ADA-accessible, and the event will include ASL interpretation, bilingual materials, and trauma-informed facilitators. Spaces will accommodate varied sensory needs, with both quiet reflection and participatory areas. Groups of 25 guests will enter on the hour and move through the experience for approximately 1 hour. Participants will encounter multiple immersive spaces designed to honor and process loss. The program offers a rare opportunity to engage with grief collectively in an art-centered setting.