annual day of the dead installation and instructional

Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, invites departed loved ones to visit the living each year, adding sweetness and joy to remembering them, instead of fear and grief. A beloved traditional Holiday in Mexico that I find comforting and a better way of remembering lost loved ones, it has replaced Halloween for me. To create an alter and folk art like these three-dimensional collages I made honoring family and friends, connects us to ones we miss in a thoughtful and happy way.

I started an annual event with the Mill Valley Community Center to celebrate Day of the Dead. My exhibit includes decorated skulls and skeletons, an alter with all its traditional elements, a representation of the first night celebration honoring children who have passed, and the cemetery gathering of family and friends at the end of the three-day holiday. I have made miniature Ofrendas inside cigar boxes, with pictures and little items representing the things each one loved in their life- my grandparents and in-laws, many friends and our beloved dog, “Bubba”.

Several years ago, I started an annual event at the Mill Valley Community Center to bring this tradition to the wider community. My exhibit includes decorated skulls and skeletons, an alter with all its traditional elements, a representation of the first night honoring children who have passed, and the cemetery gathering at the end of the three-day holiday. The display features my collection of miniature Ofrendas made with pictures and little items representing the things each one loved in their life. In a thoughtful and cheerful way they connect us and honor the loved ones I miss.

Over 100 kids and their families come every year. We treat to Mexican Hot Chocolate and Pan de Muertos (sweet bread) while they make art, have their faces painted, decorate sugar skulls and create a “Memories Box” of their own.