An altar with photos and mementos sits in the foreground against a dark background featuring event text and floral accents.

Spirit of the Lake Community Arts

LXCL:Suggested $20-$10 per evening. Come to one, some, or all!

OCT 12, 19, 27, NOV 3, 6PM–8PM

Choose one, some, or all sessions  6:00PM - 8:00PMMonday, OCT 12Monday, OCT 19Tuesday, OCT 27 Tuesday, NOV 3Best for Teens and adults, No prior art experience required In this four-session art and ritual experience, participants will learn about the tradition of altar making in different cultures and explore their own experiences of grief and remembrance through a personal, three-dimensional memorial artwork. Each gathering will begin and end with a brief grounding and reflection ritual, creating space to acknowledge the grief that brings us to the room and the gratitude we're taking with us when we leave. We'll learn how containers such as boxes, drawers, and suitcases can be transformed into spaces for remembrance. Participants will then work independently on their own projects, with the instructors circulating to offer guidance and support. Your project will be created inside a portable container such as a shoebox, cigar box, small drawer, suitcase, or another container you can carry. You'll be invited to incorporate photographs, personal objects, and art materials that hold meaning for you. You might choose to honor a person, place, idea, relationship, or other meaningful loss. Each session stands on its own, so you can attend one evening or return for additional time to work on your piece. Participants will be invited to display their work at <a href="https://maryplaster.org/duluth-all-souls-night/" target="_blank">Duluth All Souls Night</a> on Saturday, November 7 at the St. Louis County Depot Great Hall. What You'll Gain<ul><li>Learn about the way many cultures create altars for those who have died.</li><li>Create an in-progress, three-dimensional memorial artwork</li><li>Explore ways to express grief and remembrance through objects, images, and creative work</li><li>Begin at end each session with a grounding and reflection ritual</li><li>Spend time creating alongside others in a supportive community setting</li><li>Have the opportunity to share your work at Duluth All Souls Night</li></ul>MaterialsSOLCA will provide basic art supplies including scissors, glue, markers, colored pencils, paint, paper, and other decorative materials.Some containers will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own personal container for their project. What to Bring<ul><li>A container for your project, such as a shoebox, cigar box, small drawer, suitcase, or another portable container</li><li>Photos and/or personal objects connected to what or whom you are honoring</li><li>Any art supplies you'd like to use</li></ul>About the InstructorsPaula Williams is a longtime member of the Northland community who has been active in social justice, food, farming, and arts groups since the late 1990s. She brings experience holding space for small-group process and project creation. Paula worked as a life coach for more than 20 years before transitioning to therapy in May 2026. Susan Ranfranz is a retired K–12 visual arts teacher from ISD 709, artist, and SOLCA board and committee member. She has been involved in the development of SOLCA's clay studio and is interested in creating both independently and in community. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1791554904/wysiwyg/b7eyusxg24uier5hpylx.jpg" style="width:600px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;position:relative;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" /> <p style="box-sizing:inherit;width:531.734px;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0.5px;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;margin:0px;line-height:1.5;max-width:100%">**When completing your registration form you will have the option to provide an additional donation to support the upkeep of Zeffy. We choose to fundraise on this platform because it allows us to receive 100% of your gift (all transaction fees are covered by Zeffy). To opt out of this voluntary donation to Zeffy, simply use the drop down arrow on the form to select "other" and then enter $0.   <p style="box-sizing:inherit;width:531.734px;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0.5px;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;margin:0px;line-height:1.5;max-width:100%"> <p style="box-sizing:inherit;width:531.734px;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0.5px;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;margin:0px;line-height:1.5;max-width:100%">Check out all our upcoming classes and events at <a>Spirit of the Lake Community Arts</a>Class Registration Terms &amp; Conditions:<ol><li>Payment &amp; Registration: Full payment is required at the time of registration to secure your spot in the class. Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.</li><li>Refunds &amp; Cancellations: Cancellations made more than 7 days before the class start date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 7 days of the class are non-refundable. SOLCA reserves the right to cancel the class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, in which case a full refund will be provided.</li><li>Class Rescheduling: If the class is rescheduled, participants will be notified promptly. You may choose to transfer your registration to the new date or receive a full refund.</li><li>Liability: SOLCA is not responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during the class. Participation is at your own risk.</li><li>Materials &amp; Equipment: All necessary materials and equipment will be provided unless otherwise specified. Please inform the instructor of any restrictions, limitations, or allergies in advance.</li><li>Code of Conduct: Participants are expected to follow the instructor's guidelines and respect fellow attendees. Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the class without a refund.</li></ol>By registering for the class, you agree to these terms.

Spirit of the Lake Community Arts

Altars of Grief and Remembrance: A Ritual and Art Experience

5401 E Superior St

OCT 12, 19, 27, NOV 3, 6PM–8PM

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