This project began with the 2nd Annual Gathering of Grief & Joy. Hosted by Kristie Beth Ihde, the event invited participants to “symbolically release grief and celebrate the sweetness of life.”

This project began with the 2nd Annual Gathering of Grief & Joy. Hosted by Kristie Beth Ihde, the event invited participants to “symbolically release grief and celebrate the sweetness of life.”

The installation site in its original state.

The installation site in its original state.

A community ceremony of symbolic release — tending grief through shared ritual and fleeting beauty.

A community ceremony of symbolic release — tending grief through shared ritual and fleeting beauty.

Wishes and worries made visible in fabric, lovingly tied to the fence.

Wishes and worries made visible in fabric, lovingly tied to the fence.

[Detail] The first wave of brightly colored fabric tied to the fence.

[Detail] The first wave of brightly colored fabric tied to the fence.

Kristie Beth Ihde anchoring flowers to the fence, shaping meaning through simple gestures.

Kristie Beth Ihde anchoring flowers to the fence, shaping meaning through simple gestures.