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Join Lakewood for this hands-on workshop led by internationally recognized earth artist Day Schildkret (Morning Altars). In this class, Day will guide us through the 7 step Morning Altars process, learning how we can make beauty from grief by creating unique mandalas out of natural, foraged materials. Throughout this reflective experience we will explore Lakewood’s grounds to gather leaves, flowers, stones, and more to use as materials, and we will use the earth as our canvas – creating one-of-a-kind mandalas dedicated to someone or something that is loved and missed.
You will make — and deconstruct — your own memory mandala, leaving the workshop with a mindful practice you can do every day, no matter where you are.
Meet the Artist: Day Schildkret
Day Schildkret is an award-winning author, artist, ritualist, and teacher who is internationally known for Morning Altars, which Buzz Feed calls, “a celebration of nature and life.” Working for over a decade with individuals, communities and organizations, Day is helping to heal the culture through a meaningful and creative response to change. Day is the author of Hello, Goodbye: 75 Rituals for Times of Loss, Celebration and Change (Simon Element/Simon & Schuster, 2022) as well as Morning Altars: A 7-Step Practice to Nourish Your Spirit through Nature, Art and Ritual (The Countryman Press/W.W. Norton, 2018). Day is the founder and principal instructor for the Morning Altars Teacher Training, a certification program to equip helpers and healers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to integrate the Morning Altars healing modality with their clients and communities.
Learn more about Day and his practice at morningaltars.com and dayschildkret.com.
Books Available
Day Schildkret’s books will be available for purchase: Hello, Goodbye: 75 Rituals for Times of Loss, Celebration and Change (Simon Element/Simon & Schuster), Morning Altars: A 7-Step Practice to Nourish Your Spirit through Nature, Art and Ritual (The Countryman Press), and the Morning Altars Coloring Book.
For more information on these books, visit Day’s website: dayschildkret.com/books
“Nature, art and ritual are three ways that cultures around the world have been transforming grief into beauty for thousands of years. Separately, these three things can open our hearts, bring us back to our center, and connect us back into what’s meaningful. Together, they become a resource and skill so we can feel human again.”
— Day Schildkret, Morning Altars
Parking and Transportation
Driving
Parking is available on any of the roads inside Lakewood’s gates unless otherwise noted with a no parking sign.
Handicap parking will be available near the Welcome Center, where this event begins. Lakewood does not have an onsite parking lot – it is street parking only. This means you may have to park a short distance away and walk. We strongly encourage carpooling and public transportation.
By bus
Metro Transit lines 6 and 23 stop directly outside of Lakewood’s gates, a short walk to the Welcome Center.
Biking
Please lock bikes at the rack near the main entrance gates and walk to the Welcome Center. Do not lock bikes to trees or signs, leave bicycles unlocked on the grounds., or leave shared bikes or scooters overnight.
FAQs
Is there a minimum age requirement to participate?
No, all ages are welcome.
Where will this event take place?
This event will start in the Welcome Center for the educational portion of the workshop, and then moves outside to a nearby green space.
What happens if it rains?
In the event of rain, we will move the full activity indoors and supplies will be provided.
Can I make my mandala on a loved one’s grave?
We ask that for this workshop you make your mandalas in the designated area near the Welcome Center. Part of the event will involve sharing your creation with the group and instructor, so we will keep everyone in the same general area for accessibility purposes. You are welcome to make a mandala at a gravesite after the event but please do not leave any rocks or stones on the grounds as they may damage our equipment.
What can I bring into the event?
Because part of this event takes place outdoors, dress comfortably for the conditions. We recommend sunblock or a hat and a small tote for carrying a refillable water bottle. (Also, a water dispenser is available in the building.) Please do not bring pets.
What’s the refund policy?
Refunds can be issued up to 24 hours before the event starts. Request a refund through Eventbrite or by emailing events@lakewoodcemetery.org.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No, printed tickets are not required. We will have a guest list at the door.
Scholarship Program
At Lakewood, we want death and grief education to be accessible for all. Therefore, we offer up to 10 scholarships for professionals or aspiring professionals in the death and dying field (deathcare, death education, spiritualists, ritualists, and more are encouraged to apply). We reserve 5 scholarships for BIPOC individuals with a practice or interest in this field.
Scholarship recipients will be awarded:
- 1 ticket to this workshop
- 1 ticket to Art and Ritual talk and reception with the artist
- 1 copy of each of Day’s books (Morning Altars: A 7-Step Practice to Nourish Your Spirit through Nature, Art, and Ritual and Hello, Goodbye: 75 Rituals for Times of Loss, Celebration and Change)
To apply or learn more about the scholarship, please email amandal@lakewoodcemetery.org.
Learn @ Lakewood Series
This event is part of the Learn @ Lakewood series. Lakewood is honored to hold space for education and information specifically related to death, grief, urban nature, and art in this new series. Partnering with professionals from many disciplines, we explore ideas, encourage thought-provoking conversations, and exchange fresh perspectives with our community.
Questions?
Call the Lakewood events line at 612-540-5165 or email events@lakewoodcemetery.org
