Dorothy Ley Hospice Launches The Art of a Good Death Exhibition

• Innovation
• News release

Published: June 25, 2026

The evening brought together donors and supporters to celebrate the opening of this unique exhibition and reflect on the importance of compassionate end-of-life care.

Part of Dorothy Ley Hospice’s commitment to supporting individuals and families throughout the palliative journey, The Art of a Good Death brings together art and research in a deeply human way. The exhibition invites visitors to consider a simple yet profound question: What does it mean to die well?

Presented by the Isenberg Lab at the Bruyère Health Research Institute, the exhibit features selected works from a national art competition designed to translate academic research on death and dying into visual expression. Through the work of six artists from four provinces across Canada, visitors are encouraged to explore themes of dignity, meaning, choice, connection, and care at the end of life.

Guests at the launch event heard remarks from Sarina Isenberg of the Bruyère Health Research Institute and Dr. Chris Gilchrist, Director of Quality & Research at Dorothy Ley Hospice. Together, they offered insight into the research behind the project and the role that art can play in fostering understanding, reflection, and dialogue around end-of-life experiences.

Dorothy Ley Hospice has long recognized the important role that creativity can play in helping people navigate grief and loss. The themes explored through The Art of a Good Death closely reflect the philosophy behind our own Expressive Arts Therapy Program, an eight-week grief support group that combines creative expression with guided reflection and peer support.

Expressive arts therapy offers an alternative to traditional talk-based approaches for individuals who may struggle to find words for their grief. Through a variety of creative materials and activities, participants are encouraged to explore and express their thoughts, feelings, memories, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. No artistic skill or experience is required—the focus is not on creating art, but on using creativity as a tool for healing, reflection, and connection.

Like this exhibition, the program demonstrates how art can help us explore complex emotions, deepen understanding, and create meaningful conversations about loss, grief, and what matters most in life.

The evening also provided an opportunity to recognize the generosity of our donor community. We were honoured to celebrate donors newly added to our donor recognition wall, as well as those whose continued giving has earned them placement at a new recognition level. Their generosity helps ensure that Dorothy Ley Hospice can continue providing compassionate care and support to individuals and families when they need it most.

The Art of a Good Death will be on display at Dorothy Ley Hospice from June through September and is the only opportunity to view the exhibition in the Greater Toronto Area. Members of the public are welcome to visit the exhibit during designated hours. Please contact the Hospice for more information at info@dlhospice.org or call 416-626-0116.