Local artist and writer Greg Cook came up with the brilliant idea for a collective Pity Party, aiming to turn sadness into a less solo experience, and made us all crack a smile. Sponsored by the Somerville Arts Council, the cathartic community block party took over Union Square for a day in September. The festivities included sad clowns, gloomy songs, depressing art and even a tear dispensary. You should feel awful if you missed it.