The Archie Foundation supports initiative to help young people navigate grief.
A moving new exhibition, Joe’s Journey to the Apple Tree: Children’s Art of Love and Loss, has opened in Findhorn, offering a powerful glimpse into the experiences of young people navigating grief.
Running until the end of May, the exhibition features artwork created by children from across the North of Scotland who have faced the loss of a loved one.
Each piece on display at the Moray Art Centre reflects their personal journey, capturing the emotions, memories and resilience that arise in the wake of loss.
The exhibition has been carefully curated by support workers from the Archie’s Child Bereavement Service, part of The Archie Foundation, who have worked closely with children and families to help them express their experiences through art.
Structures around four themes, ‘what I feel’, ‘my hopes and beliefs’, ‘my significant memories’ and ‘how I can journey with my belief’, the exhibition offers an insight into how children process grief, express their emotions and begin to integrate loss into their lives.
A central element of the exhibition has been children narrating their own artwork, sharing the meaning behind their drawings, colours and symbols.
Jim Lyon, one of the support workers involved, explains, “Children often find difficulties with their feelings following a death and we take time to nurture understanding and help see hope into the future, keeping that special person in mind. Art is a therapeutic way to help children come to terms and accept their emotions.”
The exhibition also reflects the wider impact of bereavement on families.
One grandparent, caring for a five-year-old after the loss of his mother, said, “He’s talking happily about mummy at the moment, and we are exploring memories – positive ones – pretty much daily. I’m happy to go at his own pace for now as he isn’t distressed when he talks about her. He’s just got a new puppy and they are developing a strong bond.”
Malcolm Stewart, bereavement services manager at The Archie Foundation, said, “We hope that our art exhibition helps people understand that grief, while encompassing deep sadness, is also a reflection of love, hope and connection. The incredible art created by the young people beautifully reflects this balance, showing the ways they remember, celebrate and carry their loved ones with them.
Grief is a universal experience, one that touches us all in different ways, and we encourage anyone to attend the exhibition. By seeing these artworks and hearing the children’s stories, we can open meaningful conversations about loss and the ways we support one another through difficult times.”
The show will then run until the end of May and will be open to the public each weekend until Sunday, May 31.
Archie’s Child Bereavement Service provides tailored support to families within Grampian, Tayside, the Highlands and Orkney who are navigating grief and terminal illness.
To find out more about Archie and to access its bereavement services, visit: https://archie.org/archie-child-bereavement-service/.