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The Principals
Marjorie E. Hoachlander, President and Founder of Phoenix Memorial Art, LLC
My husband's death brought our love and my lifelong fondness for ceramic art to a very comforting union.
When Eldon was diagnosed as having a terminal illness, we discussed the idea of including a portion of his cremated remains -now being called cremains – as part of a ceramic work of art. As a physician, he was intrigued by the concept from both a scientific and an aesthetic point of view. He requested that when the time came, I talk with an artist of my choice.
After Eldon died, I visited the studio of potter Scott Haines and asked him if he would be willing to actualize this idea. He replied, "Your reason for wanting to do this appeals to me. I'd like to try it."
Allowing me to assist, Scott went to his wheel, formed and fired a vessel on which the sacred ashes were a truly integrated element. To put it simply, they were part of the art.
Shortly after Scott brought the vessel to me, I displayed it at a memorial service while another portion of Eldon's cremains was being scattered from an airplane into the Atlantic Ocean. I kept the rest of the cremains to be included in the handcrafting of individual works of art for our four children.
I can't begin to express how much having this lovely artwork in my home meant to me while I was adjusting to living alone. As its proximity gave me inner peace and renewed strength, I realized that I wanted to benefit others in similar ways by founding Phoenix Memorial Art.
Won't you please contact us today and start your healing process by acquiring your own memorialized artwork?
Joseph B. Okon, Vice President of Marketing
When I met Dr. Marjorie Hoachlander – when anyone meets her – I was struck by her verve, her spirit and her youthfulness. Her story and her vision also moved me. It is a vision she has brought to reality and wants to share with you. Let me tell you how I happened to learn about it.
One afternoon while visiting at her home, I noticed a photograph placed next to a piece of ceramic art on a bookshelf. I asked Marjorie whether this arrangement had any special meaning, and she told me about the genesis of Phoenix Memorial Art (PMA).
As she described her experiences, I became impressed by how creative the concept of PMA was and by its power to convey comfort and support to those grieving about the loss of a loved one. Throughout our subsequent conversations, I realized I wanted to become involved in this truly beneficial service. When I told Marjorie how I felt, she invited me to become her business partner.
We established Phoenix Memorial Art as a company dedicated to the creation of works of art like the ones Marjorie and her family members now have in their homes. Since then, we have forged relationships with many talented artists throughout the United States who not only share our commitment, but also work in a variety of media. We are pleased to let you know that the one-of-a-kind memorial you order from us may now be handcrafted in clay, wood, metal or glass.
For more information about our company, please read our mission statement, then visit The Artists page.
We look forward to hearing from you. Please Contact us.
Our Company
Phoenix Memorial Art (PMA) is certified by the State of Maryland as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and registered with the US Trademark and Patent Office.
We are dedicated to realizing the following mission:
To assist the bereaved in acquiring a memorial work of art created by one of our affiliated artists and handcrafted in part with the cremated remains of the deceased; to use the knowledge and expertise of Phoenix Memorial Art's staff to raise public awareness of the many benefits to be derived from choosing this distinctive way of honoring and remembering the lives of those who have passed away.
For guidance during research on and development of the concept and practices of Phoenix Memorial Art, we have formed and consulted with an Advisory Board. Its distinguished members include:
Dr. Dana Cable, Department of Psychology and Thanatology, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland
The Reverend Susan Flanders, Rector, St. John's Episcopal Church, Norwood Parish, Chevy Chase, Maryland
Dr. William Taft Stuart, Department of Anthropology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
As members of the following organizations, we receive friendly encouragement and helpful information:
American Craft Council
Association for Death Education and Counseling
Greater Bethesda Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce
International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association
James Renwick Alliance
Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County
For more information, click Links and Resources.
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