Memory Lantern Workshop

What is this workshop? Open Pit Theatre is partnering with Hospice Yukon to offer an art workshop designed to honour the memory of a loved one. Simple lanterns will be created in a facilitator guided workshop. Our guest facilitator Jessica will give participants an overview of the design and building process from start to finish. Participants will then build a simple lantern to try out the techniques outlined. Every lantern will feature a photo or an image of the participant’s choice to honour their loved one. The process of making a lantern will provide a safe and supportive space for participants to take part in an artistic process in hopes to support their grieving journey. The result of the workshop will be a beautiful glowing lantern for participants to keep. This workshop is not a grief group and it isn’t a discussion event, it is an art workshop focused on creating and making a lantern in memory of someone. A Hospice Yukon staff member will be present during the workshop.

Once you’ve registered, please send a photo to [email protected] (to be printed in black and white. It can be a photo of your loved one or anything else that reminds you of them - ex. Landscape, object, etc.). Tea, coffee, snacks provided by Hospice Yukon Workshop presented by Open Pit Theatre in partnership with Hospice Yukon Spots are limited. Registrations will close on November 17 to allow us time to print the photos and images you will have sent.

Who is it for? This offering is for any teen or adult grieving the loss of an important person in their lives. There is no experience or skillset required. Every registered participant is welcome to bring a support person, anyone under 18 years of age needs a family member present.

About the facilitator Jessica Hickman is a puppeteer, puppet designer/builder, and mask performer. She has trained with The Old Trouts (Calgary), Mermaid Theatre (Nova Scotia), Maison internationale des arts de la marionnette (Montreal), and Puppetmongers (Toronto). She designs and builds custom puppets for theatre companies across Canada, and has toured her original productions internationally. Jessica is the Co-Artistic Director and Founder of Victoria Association of Mask and Puppetry, was the Artistic Director of the Esquimalt Lantern Festival from 2024-2025, and was Co-Artistic Director of Open Pit Theatre from 2010-2025. Check out her puppet designs at @mixed.media.monsters Questions? Email [email protected]