The Wake Up to Dying Project is coming to Montpelier, Thursday-Saturday July 24-26, with an innovative audio story exhibit about death, dying and life. The exhibit will be located in the courtyard of the historic Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State Street.
The Wake Up to Dying Project is an awareness and action campaign that encourages people to think and to talk about dying, through story, art, and opportunities to engage.
The centerpiece of the July event is an innovative audio story exhibit in which visitors can listen to professionally-produced audio stories about death, dying, and life. Produced by Vermont story producer Erica Heilman (producer of Rumble Strip Vermont) from interviews with a range of Vermonters, these thought-provoking stories are at times touching, humorous, informative, and inspirational.
“These stories help people feel less alone,” notes Nina Thompson, Wake Up to Dying Project Executive Director. “We believe that we can use story to help people be more prepared, practically and emotionally, to face this shared human experience. We also believe that if we pay more attention to the fact that we die, we will pay more attention to the way we choose to live – and that could be a good thing.”
In an adjacent resource tent, visitors can access information about local end-of-life care options, as well as attend a series of discussions, with topics including “A Discussion with End of Life Care Professionals” and “Spiritual Perspectives on Death and Dying.”
The audio story exhibit will be open from 3pm to 6pm on Thursday, and 10am to 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday. Details on discussion times are available in The World calendar.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to contribute to a “Before I Die” chalkboard. Before I Die is a global art project started by New Orleans artist Candy Chang. Massive chalkboards are appearing all over the world, asking participants to finish the statement, “Before I die, I want to…” All are welcome to contribute their aspirations to this community art project.
Volunteers are needed to help with set-up, take down, and as greeters and listeners. Those interested in signing up for a 2-hour volunteer shift should contact info@wakeuptodyingproject.org.
