Center for Hospice Care’s “Journeys in Healing” Exhibit and Auction explores grief and art

Grief is a complex process and no two people deal with it in the same way. Few understand that quite like Center for Hospice Care (CHC), the area’s largest non-profit hospice provider that offers bereavement programs at no charge to anyone in their service area. One of those programs is the After Images Art Counseling Program, during which grieving participants create artwork with the support and guidance of an artist and professional counselor.

On Wednesday, July 24, CHC and the Hospice Foundation are hosting “Journeys in Healing,” an art exhibition and silent auction featuring the works of After Images participants. Proceeds for the event will be used to help endow After Images, and to help more people utilize this creative way of processing grief.

“There are 11 pieces of art being auctioned on July 24, all generously donated by participants in the program,” said Peter Ashley, CHC’s Community Relations and Engagement Liaison. “The mission of Center for Hospice Care has always been to improve the quality of living for people in our community. To do that, going beyond direct hospice care is essential. That’s why we offer programs such as After Images.“

After Images is directed by Dave Labrum, who brought the program to CHC nearly 20 years ago. Labrum has a master’s in fine arts as well as a master’s in counseling, and helps people use art to feel safe and able to express their grief openly and honestly.

“Dave Labrum is gifted at both artistic expression and in guiding people through their grief – he’s a critical part of why the program is so special,” Ashley said. “After Images is available to anyone in our service area, even if they’ve never had a loved one in our care.”

While the exhibition and auction take place on July 24, individuals can already view and bid on the 11 different pieces through the “Journeys in Healing” Give Grove page, givegrove.com/journeys-in-healing/silent/. The event is open to the public and will be hosted at the Center for Hospice Care’s Mishawaka Campus at 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka.

To learn more about After Images or to RSVP to attend “Journeys in Healing,” please visit foundationforhospice.org/journeys/.