Grief doesn’t need to be explained, analyzed, or solved. It needs space. It needs quiet. It needs something to do with the hands while the heart processes what it can’t put into words. That’s what Brush With Grief (BWG) offers.

This program is centered entirely around the act of making a brush. Participants select from natural materials—twigs, animal fur, hide, sinew, bone, and twine—and use them to assemble a handmade brush. That’s it. No painting. No journaling. No interpretation. Just the slow, focused task of creating a tool from objects that once lived and are now repurposed into something new.

BWG returns to Medicine Horse in Longmont on June 22, with another session scheduled for July 19. Each group meets from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. The cost is $25 per session, with no one turned away for lack of funds. Check out the flyer below.

The Practice

Brush With Grief is not art therapy. It’s not a support group. There is gentle processing, with no pressure to share. There is no step-by-step instruction on how to express anything. The practice is simple: come as you are, choose the materials that call to you, and make a brush.

Most participants complete one to three brushes during the two-hour group. Some make two. Some focus only on selecting and preparing materials. There is no goal other than being present with the process.

All materials are provided and you are more than welcome to bring your own animal or pet savings. The brushes are made from a wide variety of natural items: pine twigs, found wood, moose hair, rabbit hide glue, raccoon tails, and cordage. Some of the furs come from animals that were hunted for food. Some were purchased or ethically sourced through donation. Our program holds a deep respect for the lives of the animals and plants used in the making process.

The Setting

Medicine Horse in Longmont provides an outdoor setting surrounded by open sky, native grasses, and fenced pastures. Horses are visible on the property but are not part of the group. There is no horse interaction in this offering. We will have some time to visit the lands and walk around the farm.

The presence of the horses, goats, wild rabbits, and workin’ cat however, contributes to the overall environment. Their movements, grazings, and quiet watchings provide a sense of rhythm and calm in the background of the workshop. They are not a metaphor or a method—they are simply there living there lives.

Brush With Grief takes place under a covered shelter with seating, tables, and fresh air. Participants are welcome to stand, sit, move around, or work quietly on their own. The group is limited in size to allow for space and safety. Some participants talk quietly. Others stay silent the entire time. All are welcome.

Who Comes to These Groups?

People come to Brush With Grief for many reasons. Some are grieving a death. Some are caregivers burned out by years of tending to others. Some are helping professionals who need a place to step out of their roles and do something with their hands.

This program is open to all ages, regardless of gender, race, identity, profession, or belief system. No prior experience with tools, crafting, or group spaces is necessary. You will be given basic guidance if you need help tying, cutting, or securing your brush materials. But no one will tell you how your brush should look or what it should mean.

This is not a therapeutic intervention. It’s a hands-on space to do quiet work while honoring what is hard to say.

Upcoming Events

Brush With Grief at Medicine Horse – Two Dates Available
Saturday, June 22, 2025
Friday, July 19, 2025
Time: 1:00–3:00 PM
Location: Medicine Horse, Longmont, CO
Cost: $25 (with a sliding scale available)

All materials are provided. Please dress for the weather and bring water. Light seating is available; feel free to bring a cushion or back support if needed.

To register, visit https://www.medicinehorse.org/brush-with-grief

Sometimes grief doesn’t need a voice. It needs your hands.
Join us for two quiet hours of making something simple and true.