February Events: Death Cafes, Art Exhibits & More!
February is here, bringing opportunities for real, necessary conversations about death, dying, and the messy, beautiful experience of being alive. In a world that often avoids these topics, spaces for open dialogue are more important than ever. Whether you need support in navigating grief, want to explore death through literature and art, or are curious about alternative death care, there’s a place for you in our community this month. Engaging with these ideas - through conversation, storytelling, and creative expression - can help us make sense of mortality and find deeper meaning in life.
Imminent Demise by Leah Crosby - Gallery Opening
Date & Time : Friday, February 7th from 5-8pm
Location : C.Y.N.K Studios
216 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
Imminent demise is defined by the National Library of Medicine as a category of futility, describing an intervention in a patient who can be expected to die prior to hospital discharge. For example, an intervention on a patient with multi-system organ failure that may improve the function of one system can be considered futile if the patient is expected to die soon, regardless of the success of that intervention or the number of times it is applied.
Qualitative futility refers to an intervention that, even if successful, will result in an outcome of insufficient or unacceptable functional status. Palliative, non-curative procedures can make a small extension of a limited lifetime more comfortable. Living beings/bodies and their diseases are complicated and exist in contexts of care, finance, time, legislation, and spirituality that further complicate them.
In the video piece, Imminent Demise, the artist performs palliative procedures on three terminal fruits.
This exhibition was made possible through generous ongoing funding from the University of Michigan’s Arts Initiative’s Creative Careers Fellowship.
Closing for Imminent Demise will be on Friday, February 28th from 5-8pm
Queer Death Cafe
Date & Time : Saturday, February 8th from 11:00am-12:30pm
Location : Jim Toy Community Center
560 S. Main St., Ann Arbor
Let's break the stigma and talk about anything related to death and dying. There is never a theme or agenda and the event is free to attend. Queer Death Cafe is not a grief support group.
Please note the date change, this event regularly meets the first Saturday of each month.
Soul to Soil - Closing Reception
Date & Time : Sunday, February 9th from 12-3pm
Location : Art 634
634 N. Mechanic St., Jackson
Please note that there has been a last minute change to the date and time of the Soul to Soil closing reception. We are excited to announce that the band Propolis, featuring artist Hannah Hubbard, whose work is part of the exhibit, will be performing. Additionally, The Yellow Moon Yurt Drifters will share songs from their album Skeletons from the Garden. Light refreshments will be provided.
Monroe Death Cafe
Date & Time : Wednesday, February 12th from 6-8pm
Location : Green Witch Gardens
8930 S. Custer Rd., Monroe
This group is an in person round table gathering. Folks from all ages and walks of life gather to talk about all things death related. Our goal is to help get the conversation going about death, to educate and to help end the taboo of death talk.
Ann Arbor Death Cafe
Date & Time : Saturday, February 15th from 11am-1pm
Location : Crazy Wisdom Bookstore
114 S. Main St., Ann Arbor
An open, respectful discussion about death over tea and snacks. This is a wonderful opportunity to break the silence surrounding death and explore thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental environment.
Ypsilanti Death Cafe
Date & Time : Saturday, February 15th from 11:30am-1:30pm
Location : Bloodroot Herb Shop
208 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
Join us for another opportunity to engage in open, thoughtful conversations about death in a supportive and welcoming space. For the past three years, I have had the privilege of hosting this gathering, creating a space where laughter and tears truly co-exist. Expect meaningful discussions with a community that embraces curiosity, reflection, and the full range of emotions. And as always, we’ll have tea, water, and a sweet treat - usually donuts from Dom’s. 😉
Coming Soon: Additional Ypsilanti Death Cafe?!
Due to the incredible number of attendees each month, I am considering adding a second Ypsilanti Death Cafe in the coming months - potentially on the first Wednesday of every month at Bloodroot from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Any thoughts/feelings on this are appreciated. Stay tuned for more details!
Last Chapter Collective
Date & Time : Saturday, February 22nd from 2:00-3:30pm
Location : Vertex Coffee Roasters
307 N. River St., Ypsilanti
This month, we’re discussing Let’s Talk about Death (Over Dinner) by Michael Hebb. Due to last months cancellation, we will also go over January’s book, From Here to Eternity - Traveling The World to Find a Good Death by Caitlin Doughty. If you love literature and thought-provoking discussions on death as portrayed in storytelling, Last Chapter Collective is for you!
Great Lakes Bay Death Cafe
Date & Time : Sunday, February 23rd at 3:00pm
Location : LoLoBee’s Lounge
106 S. Linn St. Unit A, Bay City
Come chat with us about all things death related. Not a support group, and it is totally free. Events happening every month. This is a queer friendly event. All are welcome!
As February ends, it’s impossible to ignore the heaviness of the world - the grief, the uncertainty, the constant hum of things unraveling. It’s a lot. But in the midst of it, I’m deeply grateful for the spaces we’ve built together, where honesty, connection, and reflection can thrive. These gatherings are a sanctuary, a reminder that we don’t have to hold all of this alone. By showing up for one another, we prove that even in the hardest times, we are not in this alone.
Warmly,
Hanna Hasselschwert
Contact for Support
Email: Hanna@AcaciaEndOfLife.com
Phone: 734-544-5177