Letters to Forever
Retelling stories of grief through art
6th – 28th August 2025, St Peter’s Church, St Albans, Hertfordshire
“Grief is a journey we all face, yet it’s so often met with silence. ‘Letters to Forever’ began with my own story – losing my dad – and grew into a container holding the stories of others. Each letter is a testament to the strength and vulnerability of the human spirit. My hope is that this exhibition transforms pain into something that connects, heals, and inspires us all.”
– Natalia Millman
“Letters to Forever”, a three-week immersive art exhibition, turning over 200 deeply personal letters into visual art installation, sound, scent, video pieces, and performance. Developed and led by the artist Natalia Millman, this project is a profound exploration of loss, love, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Supported by Arts Council England and presented in partnership with Cruse Bereavement Support, “Letters to Forever” invites you into a transformative journey of collective storytelling, healing, and creativity.
At the heart of the exhibition is the power of personal stories – letters written by individuals navigating grief – brought to life through visual form. Alongside the installation, interactive workshops offer visitors hands-on ways to process their emotions and connect with others through creativity.
Why You Should Experience this Exhibition
A Powerful Vision
This is not just a visual exhibition; it’s an invitation to reshape how we view grief, a space to reflect, meditate and be curious. By merging art and community, the project redefines loss as an experience of connection and growth.A Multisensory Installation
Featuring over 200 personal letters transformed into visceral drawings, sound and video pieces, the exhibition showcases everything from meditative soundscapes to sensory sculptures and live events that will leave audiences moved and inspired.A Safe Space for Vulnerability
Held in the historic St Peter’s Church, a place of reflection and solace, the exhibition provides a non-judgmental environment for visitors to explore grief and healing.Workshops to Heal and Connect
Five interactive workshops, led by local practitioners, will empower participants to express their emotions and learn tools for resilient healing. Activities will include: mindful clay, yoga for grief, grief circle with breathwork, journaling and art. Two workshops are focused on the Ukrainian community and companions of people living with dementia: the sessions reflect a commitment to inclusivity and care. To enquire, how to participate in the events and workshops, please contact the artist. Suggested donation £5. Raised funds will be donated to Cruse.A Call to Empathy
By amplifying the stories of grief, “Letters to Forever” cultivates a profound sense of communal understanding while breaking down the stigma surrounding loss.
What The Arts Council England is Saying
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director at Arts Council England, describes the project:
“Letters to Forever’ is a remarkable demonstration of how art can touch our most profound emotions, creating empathy and connection. This project isn’t just about grief; it’s about the beauty of the human experience.”
Public Launch – 7/08 , 6-9 PM
Join the artist in conversation with Cruse Bereavement Support moderated by Kate Ray, Founder, The Art of Grieving. Followed by drinks and music by Tristan Seume and the performance by Marian Obando.
Live Performance – 28/08, 6-7PM
A collaboration with artist Casey Francis, blending sound, video, and live readings.
Interactive Workshops:
16/08 - Yoga for Healing Grief with Sarah Bonner, 2-3.30 PM, gentle movement, breath, and mindfulness to release grief and restore balance.
17/08 - Loss, Change and Belonging, 1-4 PM, a workshop for Ukrainian community explores grief and loss through everyday transitions, letting go, and adaptation to new settings.
19/08 - Mindful Clay with Sarah Core, 2-3.30 PM ( St Albans Museum & Gallery), offers a hands-on, therapeutic space to process emotions, find calm, and explore healing through the meditative practice of working with clay.
20/08 - Dementia Caregivers: Support & Tools with Natalia Millman and Memory Support Hertfordshire , 1-3 PM provides practical guidance, emotional support, and coping strategies to help caregivers navigate the challenges of dementia with resilience and compassion.
24/08 - Holding Space: A Grief Circle with Nicola Duffell, 1-3 PM offers a supportive gathering for healing through ritual, journaling, breathwork, sharing, and relaxation.
Exhibition Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
The exhibition is wheelchair accessible, with audio descriptions and subtitles available for an inclusive experience.
Testimonials:
“My friend sent me the link about your project because she and I had been writing in a book we entitled our "grief book" for some time. I realized that we don't often share what we hold in our deepest selves out loud and the book was a freeing way to share, without the same shame and burden; or at least in a different way. Possibly a less vulnerable way. My grief is multi-layered and writing for your project helped me see that more clearly. “ G
“My memories of my friend, Jay, are so distinct so it was with huge sadness that I found out by chance that he had actually died nearly half a year previous, without me knowing. This was both a time of anger at mutual friends, who had not bothered to tell me (since I was an ocean away) as well as myself for not keeping in touch over the past couple of years. Writing my Grief Letter gave me the opportunity to reconcile myself to the situation and assess our long friendship with humour and love.” L
Insights: deep dive into the context exploring this project.
NATALIA MILLMAN, EXPLORING LOSS THROUGH ART - Leslie Tate
