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Join Lakewood Artist in Residence Andrew Grum Carr for a moving reading in the historic Memorial Chapel, as he shares a deeply personal narrative essay born from an unforgettable day at Lakewood – a moment of shared grief, reflection, and connection with his former students after the loss of a classmate.
Both a painter and a writer, Andrew’s work invites stillness. Through delicate watercolors and thoughtful prose, he explores how memory and community shape our experience of loss and healing. Influenced by the gentle rhythms of Japanese woodblock prints, his paintings, nine works created over the course of a year, capture Lakewood across the seasons, offering a visual meditation to accompany his written reflections.
Join us for an intimate reading that weaves together art, remembrance, and the quiet power of place.
About the artist
Andrew Grum Carr is a Twin Cities painter, writer and teacher. Whether in pictures or in words, his work seeks out quiet, restful corners and unhurried rhythms: from an arrangement of leaves at the conservatory, to the unexpected dignity in a freeway overpass.
About their project: An Opening
Andrew will write an extended narrative essay, meditating on an experience as a teacher, visiting the Lakewood chapel with students after a classmate’s death, while also paint nine large watercolors of the cemetery through the changing seasons, to accompany the essay.
About the Lakewood Heritage Foundation
The Lakewood Heritage Foundation is a proud sponsor of the Lakewood Artist in Residence program. The Lakewood Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created to sustain Lakewood as a local treasure by supporting educational programming and the preservation and restoration of Lakewood’s landscape, art, architecture and public spaces—for the benefit of all.
The Historic Lakewood Memorial Chapel
This event takes place in the beautiful and historic Lakewood Memorial Chapel. This stunning building was built in 1910 by architect Harry Wild Jones and is modeled after the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul. It is one of the only examples of Byzantine style chapels in the US, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Click here for more information on the Lakewood Memorial Chapel.
Signs will be posted directing you to the event location or click here for GPS navigation through Google Maps.
Questions? Email the Lakewood events line at events@lakewoodcemetery.org.
FAQs
When should I arrive?
Seating will begin 30 minutes before the event starts.
Do I have to bring printed tickets or use the Eventbrite app?
No, printed tickets are not required and you do not need to use the Eventbrite app. We will have a guest list at the door.
What are my transportation and parking options?
Free parking is available along roads inside the cemetery, including reserved spaces for handicap parking near the chapel. There is a Metro Transit bus stop just outside of Lakewood’s front gates at 36th & Hennepin Ave. It is within walking distance from the chapel (1-2 blocks). If you come by bicycle, use the bike racks near the cemetery’s main gates.
Please be mindful when walking up to the chapel as roads may be slippery.
Is the Chapel accessible?
Due to the historic nature of this venue, there are limited accessibility accommodations that can be made. Accessibility notices are below:
Parking: Reserved accessible parking spots are available near the Chapel’s entrance, which has a ramp to the front door.
Seating: All seating is in fixed pews with cushions. Behind the pews, there is space for wheelchairs, but it is limited.
Restrooms: Two single-occupancy washrooms are available on the main level. The chapel’s accessible restroom is located on the lower level. Because there is no elevator and the spiral staircase is not accessible for all guests, one can access the lower restroom from behind the building. Please ask staff for assistance with wayfinding.
We apologize for these inconveniences. While we strive to be welcoming to all, there are limitations within this historic space. If you have further concerns about accessibility, please call us at 612-540-5165 or email events@lakewoodcemetery.org.
