Faces of Grief: Photography Exhibit & Loss Stories

“Faces of Grief” Exhibit to Explore Loss and Remembrance Through Photography

A powerful new photography exhibition, “faces of Grief,” will offer a poignant exploration of loss and healing, running from January 20 to February 6, 2026, at the Carberry Fine Arts Gallery on the Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) campus. The exhibit, a collaboration between Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, The Garden: a Center for Grieving Children and Teens, and STCC, will culminate in a public reception on Saturday, January 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A Visual Journey into the Heart of Grief

“Faces of Grief” aims to provide a space for grief to be acknowledged and understood,moving beyond the silence that ofen surrounds it. The exhibition will feature portraits of individuals navigating loss, captured by STCC darkroom photography students under the guidance of Professor Sondra Peron. Participants will be photographed holding, wearing, or displaying objects that hold special meaning and connect them to loved ones who have passed away.

Each portrait will be meticulously developed as a gelatin silver print – a traditional photographic process – and thoughtfully gifted to the individual featured after the exhibition concludes,creating a lasting memento of their experience.

Did you know? – Gelatin silver prints are known for their archival quality and tonal range, ensuring the portraits will endure for generations, mirroring the enduring nature of memory.

Destigmatizing Loss and Fostering Connection

According to a bereavement coordinator at Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, “grief is often a silent experience,” emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for open dialog.”this project offers a powerful way to honor those who have died and to open up conversations that help us feel less alone.”

The project builds upon years of work by the coordinator, who has facilitated grief support groups across Western Massachusetts as 2002. This work, in partnership with The Garden and Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, is dedicated to cultivating supportive environments for individuals of all ages – children, teens, and adults – as they navigate the complexities of mourning.

Pro tip: – Sharing personal stories about loss can be incredibly healing, both for the storyteller and the listener. Consider attending the reception to connect with others.

in partnership with The Garden and cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, is dedicated to cultivating supportive environments for individuals of all ages – children, teens, and adults – as they navigate the complexities of mourning.

The Power of Visual Storytelling

The exhibit’s organizers hope to destigmatize grief and transform feelings of discomfort into meaningful connection. The portraits are intended to reflect not only the pain of loss but also the enduring power of love, memory, and resilience. All members of the public are encouraged to attend the reception and engage with the artwork, fostering a shared understanding of the human experience of grief.

The “Faces of Grief” exhibit represents a unique intersection of art, healing, and community, offering a space for remembrance, reflection, and ultimately, hope.

Reader question: – What object would you choose to represent a loved one you’ve lost, and why?