The topic of death is often difficult to discuss, and so the Shrouded in Silence project has been designed to approach it with empathy and creativity through a series of artworks, talks, films, podcasts and workshops.

Additional content will be added as the project develops, but if you'd like more information, please contact us.

EXHIBITIONS

Whistlestop Arts is joined by artists Mary Branson, Karl Newman and Miles Russell and community members to showcase a new collection of artworks designed to spark conversations and promote creativity.

7 FEB - 10 MAR 2024 | Robert Phillips Gallery, Riverhouse Arts Centre, Manor Rd, Walton-on-Thames KT12 2PF. See more HERE>>>

17 APR - 26 APR 2024 | The Horton Arts Centre, Haven Way, Epsom KT19 8NP. See more HERE>>>

14 MAY - 20 MAY 2024 | Unit 23, St Martins Walk Shopping Centre, Dorking, RH4 1UT

Open daily from 10am - 4pm

12 JUN - 16 JUN 2024 | Place Farm Barn, West Horsley Place, Epsom Rd, West Horsley, Leatherhead KT24 6AN

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am

ARTISTS TALK

An opportunity to meet the artists exhibiting in the Shrouded in Silence exhibition. During the event, you will have the unique opportunity to hear from Mary, Karl, Annalees, Luna and Miles as they talk about their work and share their concepts and techniques. This will provide a deeper understanding of the art pieces and the artists' perspectives.

The talk will also provide insight into the wider Shrouded in Silence project, which focuses on the topic of death. This subject is often difficult to discuss, which is why the project has been designed to approach it with empathy and creativity.

See calendar below for dates.

DEATH CAFES

Led by the Brigitte Trust encouraging honest and thoughtful conversations about death and dying over coffee and cake!

Death is an inevitable part of life yet most of us find it a very difficult topic to talk about. We want to normalise the conversation and help lead the discussion by providing a safe and informal space to talk about your thoughts and feelings around death and dying. Our death cafes are free and open to anyone, to speak freely and without judgement. There is no set agenda for a death café meeting just facilitated discussion following the interests of those attending.

Past discussion topics have included:

Do I want to be cremated or buried?
How do I talk to my family and friends about death?
What legacy do I want to leave behind?
What is a good death?
The fear of death
Advance planning

Taking time to reflect on death is something we can all do. When we spend time talking about death, we find that it helps remove the fear around it.

Come along to our next Death Café and join in the conversation!

Free – Booking essential. Suitable for 18+ - See calendar below for dates and details

MEMORY BOX MAKING - workshops

This workshop provides an opportunity to create a memory box that commemorates important moments from your own or someone else's life.

You will be provided with a small display box and decorative papers that will serve as the base for adding your own photos, poems, letters, and trinkets. These elements will embellish your box and tell the stories associated with the life you are honouring. It could be a memory of when you took part in a school play, learned to roller skate, or when your grandma read your tea leaves or when she met the Queen.

Capture those special moments in time and showcase your memory box at home, where it will be a conversation starter with your friends and family, evoking memories of the person you want to celebrate.

Free – Booking essential. Suitable for 18+ - See calendar below for dates and details

FILM MAKING with

A new documentary film and a podcast featuring artists, community members, and end-of-life specialists will be created throughout the project, culminating in a celebratory event at Clandon Natural Burial in June 2024.