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Griefhab art display for IE students photo 1

Griefhab art display for IE students photo 3
Outside of the Ocean County Artists Guild, Intermediate East teacher Angela Germano (above) points to the invitation flyer for the Jan. 25 event, while inside, students bravely and proudly display their personal artwork for family and loved ones.

Griefhab art display for IE students photo 2

Jan. 28, 2025- It's not students' first foray into exploring grief, but kids from Intermediate East dug into their feelings again, and bravely submitted artwork bearing their soul to the Griefhab Foundation in order to lift others’ spirits and improve collective mental health.

That artwork was on display this past weekend at the Ocean County Artists Guild in Island Heights during a Saturday afternoon showing.

“We talk about feelings a lot in our language arts class, along with the importance of communication in all of our unique ways," said Intermediate East Angela Germano. “I was so proud of all these students facing their feelings and sharing them in the name of empathy and unity."

The connection between Griefhab-- founded by Samantha Ruth-- and the school began years ago, and has continued to blossom. For this most recent venture, nine students were selected to have their artwork turned into a Griefhab calendar, available internationally. Those calendars were available for sale at the event, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit organization.

“The way Toms River has embraced this project, the way Angela Germano has made it a part of her classroom, and the way her students heal not only through their pictures but through sharing their stories is exactly why the calendar exists," said Ruth, a grief and anxiety coach and podcast host.

Bubbly refreshments were served, music filled the hallways and rooms, and family members and loved ones joined students and guild leaders to take in all of the artwork on display. Some drawings depicted the emotional weight of losing family members, grandparents, or beloved pets. Others offered affirmations, or portrayed a visual of what the journey of grief feels like. Guild Director and President William Pike was impressed with the event's attendance and the artwork itself, according to Germano, and the students' creativity also caught the attention of another county institution; Ocean County College has since expressed interest in hosting the exhibit.

From grief springs hope and joy, and Saturday's event provided a welcome reminder of that simple but profound fact. Additional photos below.