The “Good Grief” exhibition is a collaborative exploration of the five stages of grief, juried by long-time friends and local artists, Jayme Fahrer and Charli Decker, of East Windsor. Though their styles and artistic methods are worlds apart, they are united by a shared passion for examining the emotional and human experience through their artwork.

Charli’s art, known for its smooth lines and realistic renderings, captures the expressions of people in their most vulnerable moments. Her mastery of lifelike detail reveals the depth of human emotion, offering a window into the faces of those experiencing denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

In contrast, Jayme’s approach to this exhibition is rooted in abstract representation, using bold colors, dynamic movement, and unconventional materials. Where Charli invites the viewer to relate to specific faces and expressions, Jayme’s work seeks to evoke an emotional resonance through texture, form, and color—reflecting the complexity of grief in a more visceral, interpretive way.

Together, this juxtaposition of realism and abstraction creates a dialogue between the seen and the felt, offering viewers two different paths to understanding grief. “Good Grief” encourages reflection on how each stage can look and feel profoundly different for everyone, but remains a shared part of the human experience.