Our Services
The Ash Rose Foundation offers a unique and deeply personal approach to grief support through transformational memorial artwork.
Using cremation ashes, founder and artist Ian McCartor creates custom “ash portraits”, blending the physical remains of loved ones into meaningful imagery that symbolizes healing, love, and legacy. This artistic process provides a tangible way for individuals to process their grief, honoring their loved ones in a lasting and profound way.
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The foundation’s core services include:
Personalized Ash Portraits
Custom artwork integrating cremation ashes, created based on the participant’s personal reflections and memories.
Compassionate Support & Counseling Resources
While not a replacement for therapy, the foundation collaborates with grief counselors and support networks to provide participants with compassionate guidance.
Community Outreach & Education
The foundation partners with hospice organizations, grief support groups, funeral homes, and arts-based healing initiatives to raise awareness about creative grief support options.
The 30-Day Ash Rose Project
A guided grief-processing program that includes daily journaling prompts to help individuals explore their emotions, memories, and healing journey while their artwork is being created.
Annual Gallery Gathering
A community event showcasing completed ash portraits, allowing participants to share their stories and experiences in a supportive environment.
Ongoing Connection & Support Network
Participants are invited to remain connected with an ever-growing community of individuals who have taken part in The Ash Rose Project. Through private groups, follow-up gatherings, and shared experiences, this network offers a continued sense of support, understanding, and belonging as participants navigate their personal journeys of remembrance and healing.
Previous Participants
Jeanie H, "My Best Friend"
"Thank you for capturing Kaycee’s essence in the most perfect way, I would never have imaged these pieces to be what you have created."
Who Benefits from These Services?
The Ash Rose Foundation serves a broad range of individuals and communities who are navigating grief and loss, including:
Individuals & Families Processing Loss
Those who have lost loved ones and are seeking a meaningful, artistic way to honor their memory and process their grief.
Hospices & End-of-Life Care Services
Patients and families preparing for loss may find comfort in knowing their loved one’s ashes can be transformed into a lasting piece of art.
The Artistic & Healing Communities
Those who recognize the power of art as a tool for emotional processing and transformation, as well as arts foundations that support community healing initiatives.
Grief Support Groups & Counselors
Organizations and professionals working with bereaved individuals can connect their clients with a creative and therapeutic memorial option.
Funeral Homes & Crematoriums
Businesses looking to offer unique and healing memorial options for families they serve.
The General Public
Anyone drawn to the mission of transforming grief into beauty, supporting others through the grieving process, or engaging in conversations about loss, remembrance, and resilience.
