Soul to Soil : A Gallery Event
Weaving Death & Art into Activism
Soul to Soil - Opening Reception, January 11th!
January 11th - February 9th
634 N. Mechanic Dr., Jackson, MI
As we step into the new year, Soul to Soil : A Gallery Event offers a unique and deeply meaningful opportunity to reflect on the intersection of art, death, and our connection to the earth. Running from January 11 to February 9 at Art 634 in Jackson, MI, this extraordinary exhibit weaves together themes of sustainable death care, personal rituals, and humanity's relationship with the natural world.
Mark your calendar for the opening reception on Saturday, January 11, from 6-9 PM. This special evening invites you to celebrate the launch of this transformative exhibition, meet the visionary artists and death care practitioners behind the works, and immerse yourself in conversations that challenge and inspire. It's a chance to experience art that explores mortality and sustainability in profound and unexpected ways, all within a welcoming and contemplative space.
Throughout the month, Soul to Soil will host a series of events, workshops, and discussions related to death and dying. These gatherings will delve deeper into topics such as natural burial practices, grief as a creative force, and the ways art can serve as a bridge to understanding life's final transition. Whether you're curious about sustainable end-of-life options or simply eager to explore how art can illuminate these vital topics, there’s something for everyone.
Soil to Soil is the combined efforts of Michigan Deathcare Collaborative, Third Coast Herbal Collective, and Art 634. Check out our website here to learn more about the talented artists who will be sharing their work.
Soul to Soil Event Calendar
Saturday, January 11th - Opening Reception
Wednesday, January 15th - Queer Death Cafe
Saturday, January 18th - Movie Screening : Last Ecstatic Days (tickets required - sign up here!)
Saturday, January 25th - What is an End of Life Doula?
Saturday, January 25th - Death Cafe
Wednesday, January 29th - What is a Body Farm? (virtual - sign up here!)
Saturday, February 1st - Climate Cafe (spaces limited, email mideathcare@gmail.com to RSVP)
Saturday, February 1st - Imbloc : Celebrating a Seasonal Shift
Saturday, February 8th - Closing Reception
Ongoing - What is a Home Funeral?
Business Hours for Art 634
Wednesday through Saturday 11am - 7pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm
Ypsilanti Death Cafe
For those looking to connect with others around conversations of death and grief, the Ypsilanti Death Cafe offers a welcoming space. This informal gathering encourages open discussions about life, death, and everything in between. Whether you're processing a recent loss or reflecting on mortality, this is a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings over tea and light refreshments.
January Death Cafe
Saturday, January 18th • 11:30am – 1:30pm
208 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, MI
Last Chapter Collective
A book club dedicated to exploring the multifaceted aspects of death and dying. In this safe and supportive space, we gather to delve into literature that offers profound insights into the human experience of mortality. Last Chapter Collective is hosted by Sheralyn Ganz and is held the final Saturday of each month.
January Book - From Here to Eternity : Traveling the World to Find the Good Death by Caitlin Doughty
Saturday, January 25th • 2:00 - 3:30pm
307 N. River St., Ypsilanti, 48198
Michigan Deathcare Collaborative
I am thrilled to formally introduce the Michigan Deathcare Collaborative! This initiative has been a dream of mine, and I’m incredibly grateful to have found a like-minded partner in Michael Schofield (Hickory Nut Farmstead), whose passion, values, and dedication to community advocacy align so closely with mine.
We are in the very early stages, but we’ve already begun building an incredible directory of alternative deathcare resources right here in Michigan. Our primary goal is to make this information easily accessible to the dying, their families, and anyone curious about exploring their end-of-life options.
In these foundational stages, we are focused on two key efforts:
Expanding our directory to include a wide range of deathcare professionals, services, and resources across Michigan.
Hosting community events that create space for meaningful conversations, education, and connection around death and dying.
Looking ahead, we have big plans! One of our long-term goals is to raise funds to assist those who need financial help covering deathcare expenses. As many of us know, dying can be prohibitively expensive, and we are committed to making deathcare more equitable and accessible for everyone.
And that’s just the beginning. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and evolve!
Are you a deathcare worker in Michigan? We’d love to have you join our directory here and share your community events here!
We’ll also begin forming our team in February. If you’re interested in helping out in any capacity, please reach out to us at mideathcare@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!
As always, thank you for reading!
Hanna Hasselschwert
Hanna@AcaciaEndOfLife.com