Mississippi School of the Arts psychologist Dr. Harlie Blauw understands loss is difficult.

When that loss comes earlier in life, such as during the teenage years, it can be even harder. So the counselor created the Grief Retreat. 

Birthed in 2021 with fewer than 20 students and a $500 grant, Blauw set out to provide a free one-day event for any high school student to have a safe, fun, creative environment to address and process grief.

“It was my dream,” Blauw said. “It is an art-focused retreat of hope and connection to honor any type of loss, such as death, separation, divorce, absence. Their loss can be honored, and they can be around other people who feel the same they do, while being able to express anything they want to through art.”

This year’s event is the fifth annual, and will be 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, on MSA’s campus in Brookhaven. Activities will include painting, clay, wood burning, creative writing, and horse rides. Lunch will be provided. 

The retreat is open to any high school student who has experienced any type of loss — not just MSA students. The purpose is to learn effective coping skills, connect with others, and honor the loss. This is not a substitute for therapeutic treatment. 

Each of the past two retreats have welcomed more than 60 teenagers from multiple school districts. Also each year, local artist Derek Covington Smith has helped students and counselors create a collaborative mural painting.

“Students reported a positive experience, meeting new people and learning new things,” Blauw said.

The main purpose of the event is simply to help students express what they need to in order to better deal with their losses, whatever they may have been, Blauw said.

“There is no loss that is too big or too small, or from too long ago or too recent, all are welcome.”