January 29, 2026

Straddling Grief: An Evening of Art, Poetry and Music

Macaulay Heritage Park

Straddling Grief is an art installation by Delane Cooper which explores themes of grief, loss and memories located in The Carriage House at Macaulay Heritage Park (35 Church Street, Picton). Delane has offered a series of events to help the public engage the piece through different mediums of observation, including January 29th's event Straddling Grief: An Evening of Art, Poetry and Music.

During this event, performance times are at 6:00pm or 6:30pm each lasting 15 minutes.
This event is outdoors so please dress appropriately. A warm beverage will be on offer, and the heated Macaulay House will be open next door.

Delane Cooper is an artist, goldsmith and storyteller. For over two decades she has told personal stories through wearable art. Over the last 2 years, she chose to play beyond her sandbox to create sculpture and public art.

Dr. Karima Joy, MSW, RSW, PhD is a therapist, grief alchemist, and social scientist, working in mental health since 2006. After wild reckonings with trauma and death, she committed to an apprenticeship with grief, working at hospitals, crisis centers, non-profits, universities, and in government. Her PhD in Public Health was on bereavement accommodation in Ontario. She developed and now teaches at the Grief Education Program, University of Toronto, and is a member of the International Working Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement.

David Johanns is a pianist, singer, and composer working at the intersection of jazz, atmosphere, and storytelling. Trained in both classical and jazz performance, he has spent decades performing in concert halls, piano bars, and unconventional settings, with music featured in over 100 television episodes. His work often explores a strong sense of place, creating immersive musical experiences that emphasize mood, connection, and emotional presence.

This evening of poetry, art and music is free to the public. Please RSVP to Jessica Chase so we can prepare ample warm beverages for attendees via jchase@pecounty.on.ca

Straddling Grief: An Evening of Art, Poetry and Music