Introducing the Wind Phone Project
Creating spaces for grief in Monterey County
Papillon — French for butterfly — symbolizes the transformation that grief makes possible. We do not erase pain, but help individuals and families emerge with meaning, resilience, and connection.
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In 2025, Papillon Center for Loss & Transition unveils the Wind Phone Project — a community healing initiative rooted in remembrance, reflection, and voice. Each Wind Phone is a vintage rotary phone placed in a handcrafted, weatherproof artist-designed shelter. Not connected to any system, the phone offers a symbolic space for people to speak to those they’ve lost — to say hello, goodbye, or simply be heard.
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Each installation is crafted in collaboration with local artists — each of whom will be compensated for their time and materials, in alignment with the belief that healing arts deserve support and recognition.
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Speak. Remember. Transform.
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​The Wind Phone Project is Papillon’s way of saying:
"You are not alone. Your grief deserves space. Your memories matter."
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The first Wind Phone will be located in the newly renovated garden at the Coastal Kids Home Care office in downtown Salinas. This installation will feature original artwork by Paul Richmond, with support from the Arts Council for Monterey County. We plan to unveil this Wind Phone in honor of National Grief Awareness Day, with a small private dedication ceremony. Stay tuned.
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Read more about The Wind Phone Project at My Wind Phone National Registry.
Listen to the This American Life story called Really Long Distance by Miki Meek.
PAPILLON CENTER FOR LOSS & TRANSITION
a service of Coastal Kids Home Care