Heights performance space to hold 'funeral party' on New year's Day

The "Funeral Party for the Living" will take place at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Day at 14 Pews.  

Arranged by artist Emily Sloan, the event will begin with visitation and eulogy-writing services, and include an open service in which participants can come forward to read eulogies, notes, confessions or resolutions, or sing songs. Additionally, guests are invited to contribute items to be burned in a funeral pyre and to bring their favorite funeral foods and/or recipes to the potluck, which will follow the service.  

"I am excited to present this interactive celebration on New Year’s Day, a time of reflection on new beginnings and the passing of time," said Sloan. "I wanted to arrange an event inviting the public to be a part of a shared ritual and celebration of our short time, and to encourage reflection upon and the potential to change the contents of our eulogies."

Funeral-inspired attire is encouraged and observers are welcome. This event is free and open to the public.  

Located at 800 Aurora St. in the Heights, 14 Pews is a non-profit "microcinema," providing regular screenings of independent documentaries and feature films, along with four annual film festivals and several film/video educational classes. It is housed in an old, white wooden church built in 1924.

For more information, visit www.14pews.org.