Expressing Grief Through Art at Valerie’s House

At Valerie’s House, we know that grief is not something that can always be put into words. That’s why our Grief Art activity has become such an important and meaningful part of the healing process for our kids, teens, and even their caregivers. This activity starts with a simple yet powerful question: What does your grief look like or feel like?

The responses have been deeply moving and unique. For some, the answer came immediately—they knew exactly what they wanted to create without hesitation. For others, it took more time and planning, as translating grief into art is no easy task. We saw kids draw from their personal connections, using their person’s favorite colors or including their loved one’s initials within their artwork.

One child created a black hole, describing it as grief swallowing the light around them. Another designed a shadowy mass surrounded by flames, calling it the destructive force of their pain. These creations capture the raw, overwhelming emotions that grief can bring.

It wasn’t just the kids and teens who took part in this emotional process. Caregivers also joined in, creating their own images to reflect what their grief looks like. Because at Valerie’s House, we understand that it’s not only the children who grieve—their caregivers often carry grief as well. This activity gave them a space to express those feelings.

We know grief is messy, ever-changing, and deeply personal. What a child or caregiver creates today could look completely different tomorrow, and that’s okay. Through this process, they’re not just showing us their pain—they’re taking meaningful steps toward healing and connection.

Valerie’s House is honored to provide a safe place for these emotional expressions to take shape. We are grateful to our families for trusting us to be part of their healing journeys. Together, we heal.