Where Grief Takes Shape: Fernside Celebrates 40 Years at Studio Kroner

Aug 11

2 min read

August 14–16, 2026

This weekend, Studio Kroner is honored to host Where Grief Takes Shape, a special exhibition presented by Fernside Center for Grieving Children as part of its 40th anniversary celebration.

The exhibition celebrates the artwork of grieving children, teens and their families—and demonstrates the powerful role art can play when words are difficult or impossible to find.

Young people often struggle to express the complex emotions that follow the death of someone significant in their lives. At Fernside, expressive arts provide children and teens with another language for exploring those feelings. The artwork presented at Studio Kroner reflects the wide range of emotions that can accompany grief, including anger, frustration, anxiety, sadness—and even joy.

Through creative expression, children can give shape to feelings that may otherwise be difficult to understand or communicate. Art can offer a healthy release while creating space for reflection, connection and healing.

Celebrating 40 Years of Fernside

Fernside artwork — One of many pieces of art included in this exhibition.

In 1986, Rachel and Paul Burrell opened Fernside’s doors, establishing the nation’s second center for grieving children. What began with a group of 16 children and 12 adults has grown into a national leader in grief support, outreach and education, now serving more than 3,000 community members each year.

As an affiliate of Hospice of Cincinnati, Fernside provides its services free of charge, complementing Hospice of Cincinnati’s comprehensive bereavement program by addressing the unique needs of grieving children and teens.

Where Grief Takes Shape brings this important work into the gallery, inviting the Greater Cincinnati community to experience what these young artists have created and to better understand the many ways grief can be expressed.

“Art has always helped me express what I couldn’t put into words. I love that Fernside gives grieving young people the encouragement and space to do the same—to find their voice, share what they’re feeling and discover connection through art.” — Paul Kroner

Weekend Events

Cedric Micahel Cox — Art with Cedric Michael Cox on Sunday August 16, 1-3 pm

Join us at Studio Kroner for this moving celebration of creativity, expression and 40 years of Fernside's extraordinary work supporting grieving children and families.