On September 24th, 2022, Buzzy’s Bees held our 4th annual Give Grief a Voice Art Exhibition and Benefit, our first event open to the public since the COVID-19 pandemic began. We gathered together in the Historic Alberta House in Portland, Oregon, on a warm sunny evening for a night of remembrance and love. Arriving families greeted each other with hugs and comradery after meeting at our Bonfire & Brews and Mother’s Brunch, which took place before the main event.
“This weekend I was surrounded by others who understood, grief wasn’t some topic that was too uncomfortable to even mention. Our children we have lost were talked about, our feelings whatever they may be were heard and felt valued and validated. I felt a sense of community with people I had never met before.”
– Leeann Rose, Lincoln’s Mom
We unveiled this year’s art to the 13 families who shared their stories with us in a private ceremony, where families who were able to make it in person were led to their art, while we held virtual attendance calls for families unable to attend. Soon after this private time, the gallery doors opened to our ticketed guests to view this year’s art as well as reproductions of previous years’ pieces.
As our 80 guests settled in with drinks and nibbles, we held a panel discussion moderated by our lead development editor who held a discussion with some of our artists and family members that participated in previous years. Check out our livestream of the event to hear the artists discuss their artistic processes and how the families have been impacted by our program.
For the second year in a row, we tip our hats to Navis Pack & Ship, who generously agreed to ship the art pieces to our families who were unable to travel for this year’s art reveal event. The pieces we’re shipping are priceless bespoke pieces compassionately created for our families by professional artists. Thank you, Brian and Michael, for seeing the value of our program and for providing our shipping free of charge!
I’m speechless and in absolute awe!! I can’t wait to get this painting home. I’m beyond thankful to Buzzy’s Bees for allowing us to be a part of this amazing program and helping end the silence of child loss grief.
– Jonathon and Lisa Wolf, Theo’s parents
Thank you to each and every one of our supporters, artists, and community members for supporting Buzzy’s Bees’s mission of providing emotional support and healing to families who have suddenly lost a child. We are so immensely grateful for your continued care and support of the Give Grief a Voice program.
