Carnoustie Exhibition to showcase children’s experiences of love and loss

A moving new exhibition, Joe’s Journey to the Apple Tree: Children’s Art of Love and Loss, will be on show in the Lochty Gallery in Carnoustie Library, offering a powerful glimpse into the experiences of young people navigating grief.

The exhibition features artwork created by children from across the North of Scotland who have faced the loss of a loved one.

It can be seen at Carnoustie Library from this weekend until August 15, before moving to Aberdeenshire and returning to Angus in December at Montrose Museum and Art Gallery.

Each piece on display reflects a personal journey, capturing the emotions, memories and resilience that arise in the wake of loss.

The exhibition has been carefully curated by support workers from the Archie’s Child Bereavement Service, part of The Archie Foundation, who have worked closely with children and families to help them express their experiences through art.

Structures around four themes, ‘what I feel’, ‘my hopes and beliefs’, ‘my significant memories’ and ‘how I can journey with my belief’, the exhibition offers an insight into how children process grief, express their emotions and begin to integrate loss into their lives.

A central element of the exhibition has been children narrating their own artwork, sharing the meaning behind their drawings, colours and symbols.

Jim Lyon, one of the support workers involved, explains: “Children often find difficulties with their feelings following a death and we take time to nurture understanding and help see hope into the future, keeping that special person in mind. Art is a therapeutic way to help children come to terms and accept their emotions.”

The exhibition also reflects the wider impact of bereavement on families.

Malcolm Stewart, bereavement services manager at The Archie Foundation, said: “We hope that our art exhibition helps people understand that grief, while encompassing deep sadness, is also a reflection of love, hope and connection. The incredible art created by the young people beautifully reflects this balance, showing the ways they remember, celebrate and carry their loved ones with them.

“Grief is a universal experience, one that touches us all in different ways, and we encourage anyone to attend the exhibition. By seeing these artworks and hearing the children’s stories, we can open meaningful conversations about loss and the ways we support one another through difficult times.”

The exhibition was previously on display at the Moray Art Centre in Findhorn before moving to Angus.

Archie’s Child Bereavement Service provides tailored support to families within Grampian, Tayside, the Highlands and Orkney who are navigating grief and terminal illness.

To find out more about Archie and to access its bereavement services, visit: https://archie.org/archie-child-bereavement-service/