United Adoration and Holy Nativity Church (in Halifax, England) invite you to an in-person Multi-Arts Retreat with Andy Clark & Elise Massa on 17th - 19th October, 2025!
Grief and death are two experiences that will at some point touch us all. And yet, though unavoidable, they remain taboo topics, both undesirable to face ourselves, and uncomfortable to face with others. How can art help us look and understand grief and death better? At this creative arts retreat, “Grief: Giving Sorrow Words and Death Dignity,” we will consider how the bible, Christian tradition, and various art forms allow us to approach grief and death, and inspire us in our own creativity.
The retreat will also include the chance to view, interact and respond to the exhibit
Bald Statements
Bald Statements is a sculptural study into grief and personal loss by the late Jean Parker.
The full exhibition comprises eight large alabaster sculptures, and eight small maquettes (hand sized sculptures) cast in bronze-resin.
Jean Parker formed the original maquettes in terracotta clay during a private retreat in which she was reflecting on her own experience of cancer. They were not, at this stage, intended for public exhibition.
The themes she explored during the retreat, however, had a wider reach than her cancer diagnosis. Jean refers to the sudden death of her close friend, the loss of her son and daughter-in-law in a climbing accident, and the loss of her marriage through divorce, as well as the loss of her health, and the loss of her hair through the cancer treatment she was undergoing. She created one maquette each day through the retreat.
The bronze-resin maquettes were cast from these original terracotta pieces, and later Jean created the large alabaster sculptures as a new response to the themes she had explored.
Through the sculptures Jean movingly and honestly takes each viewer through her journey of grief and healing, which she explains through the stages of denial, disbelief, questioning, anger, depression, acceptance, healing, and peace. You can hear in the film and the power-point presentation how the sculpture ‘peace’ was later replaced by ‘multi-facetted’ as Jean moved through her journey.
You can find out more about the exhibit from our sponsors; Westhill Foundation at
https://www.westhillendowment.org/bald-statements
Please note: this is not a therapeutic retreat, but rather a creative retreat where these topics will be talked about and discussed through the lens of art and faith.
However you create – songwriters, visual artists, writers, poets, textiles and more…you are welcome! This retreat is designed to create a unique space where artists, creatives, and those interested in worshipping through the arts can come together for a dedicated time of creativity, collaboration, fun, and encouragement.
Registration (£25) includes:
● Friday Night Beer & Songs (17th October @ 17:00): Join hosts Robb & Ruth Sutherland and retreat leaders Andy Clark & Elise Massa for a licensed bar, hot drinks and cold snacks. Hear original music and your favourite requests played by the band! Donations welcome.
● Saturday Retreat Day (18th October, 10:00 - 17:00) will include lunch, with snacks and drinks throughout the day to keep the creative energy flowing. We work to accommodate dietary needs such as gluten / dairy free (you can share information on dietary needs in your registration)
● OPTIONAL: Sunday (19th October @ 10:00) Worship Service: Participants are invited (but not required) to celebrate and share their work with the Holy Nativity community.
● An Inspiration Resource filled with scripture verses, artwork, hymns and prayers based on the theme.
● Space to reflect and create
● Inspiring teaching and encouragement on the theme
