Arts Disaster and Crisis Preparedness Conference 2026

This workshop explores how collage can help individuals make meaning from tragedy through the use of accessible creative practices that bring order from chaotic experiences and build agency and connection in the wake of disaster.


In the aftermath of disaster, grief often feels fragmented—disrupting memory, identity, and a sense of stability.


This workshop explores how expressive and accessible arts, and especially collage, can support meaning-making by helping individuals and communities transform chaos into coherence. Grounded in the concept of meaning-making articulated by David Kessler's proposed "6th Stage" of the grieving process, this session positions creative expression as a vital tool for navigating loss and rebuilding connection.


The presentation will begin by introducing participants to key concepts in grief and trauma, including how disasters impact emotional and cognitive processing. The presentation will highlight why collage is uniquely suited to this work: the use of fragments mirrors the experience of trauma, while the act of assembling images fosters integration, agency, and reflection. Participants will also be introduced to practical considerations for facilitating this work in their own contexts.


The remaining time will be dedicated to a guided, hands-on collage-making experience. Participants will engage with a
variety of materials—magazines, paper, fabric, photographs, and found items—to make their own meaning from pieces of visual “scrap.” Emphasis will be placed on process over product, with a focus on intuitive selection and personal symbolism. No prior artistic experience is required. Participants will leave with both a collage and a deeper understanding of how creative practices can support healing and meaning-making after disaster.


This workshop is ideal for those seeking adaptable tools to support emotional recovery and resilience in the communities they serve.