I’m an artist and community death doula who facilitates creative, collective grief processing spaces that make room for our more difficult feelings alongside joy and creativity. I’d love to set up a community altar at the book fair where folks can take a moment to connect with their grief and honor ancestors/loved ones, literary and liberation guides, those lost to/murdered by colonial violence, and anyone else they wish to remember. The altar would be non-denominational. I usually create altars using elements from the natural world but can tailor the setup to fit any specific needs. I also have a “grief-ey feels” zine I created, which can be offered for free at the altar. I’d bring all materials, typically including photos, battery-powered candles, flowers, incense, fruit, and other sacred items. In the past, I’ve also included books by authors who’ve passed.

Musicians also will do a ritual for them all.