Broken Tile, a shorter version of the Broken Bowl workshop, is an experiential class based on the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi and the ancient practice of kintsugi. Wabi-sabi is an aesthetic that embraces the imperfect and transient, and kintsugi is the painstaking practice of repairing broken pottery with gold. These approaches treat the cycle of breakage and repair as a part of an object's history rather than something to be discarded or disguised. The maker must move through a process of confronting change, accepting change, and deciding how to move forward with what is left.

This is a creative approach to grief therapy.

We will start with a pre-broken bisque fired pottery tile which we will decorate and repair in the spirit of Kintsugi. (Please note that we will not be doing the traditional Kintsugi process.) Be mindful that this process is likely to bring up strong emotions surrounding loss and care is taken to preserve the safety of the group.

Cost: $50 per person

Length of workshop: 1.5hours

Group Size: 12-20 people

Artist Bio

Bridget Pemberton-Smith (ATR-BC) is a board-certified art therapist (ATR-BC) with a Master’s in Expressive Arts Therapies from Lesley University, class of ’98. Since earning her credentials in 2007, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals—from children navigating physical illness to at-risk teens, refugees, seniors, and adults coping with mental health challenges—embrace healing through creative expression.

Through her private practice, Bridges Art Therapy, based in Carrboro, NC, Bridget offers in-person individual and group therapy sessions to children and adults. She also offers workshops for adults at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro which include modalities like SoulCollage© and Kintsugi-inspired “Repairing the Broken Bowl”. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, her approach is person-centered, honoring each client’s unique journey and helping them discover their strengths and creative resilience.