Thursday, September 24, 2009

VIVA Mission Cultural Center! My first Day of the Dead





The Mission Cultural Center in San Fransisco CA is the place where I was first exposed to the Day of the Dead.
http://www.missionculturalcenter.org/

I was invited in 1986 to participate in an exhibition that was called "Rooms for the Dead". Each of 25 artists were invited to create an artwork inspired by the traditional Dia de los Muertos alters.
I see on their website that this has become a tradition at the center.
http://www.missionculturalcenter.org/call-to-artists.html

Fact about Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead Dia de Muertos
Common Misconceptions About

The Day of the Dead Celebration

by May Herz

It is not the Mexican version of Halloween. Mexicans have celebrated the Day of the Dead since the year 1800 B.C.

It is not scary or morbid. There are no images of dead people, ghosts, witches, or the devil.

It is not a cult. This ritual has nothing to do with cults. It is a Catholic Christian ritual intermixed with folk culture. Going to mass is an essential aspect of this celebration.


It doesn’t honor death, but our dead relatives. We welcome the opportunity to reflect upon our lives, our heritage, our ancestors and the meaning and purpose of our own existence.


Altars or ofrendas are not for worshiping but for offering our love and remembering our departed family members.





It is not a sad ritual. It’s a day of happiness because we will be remembering our loved ones. Although when in the graveyard, people assume an introspective attitude.


It is about Love not Fear.
It is not a “strange” ritual. It is very similar to going to a grave and leaving flowers or stuffed animals, lighting a candle to remember the deceased.

It is not a careless or fearless confrontation of death.
It is a moment to reflect upon one’s life and the cycle of life and death.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Day of the Dead


A Hands on Visual Art Workshop
Offered by,
Caryl Henry Alexander

Saturday, November 7, 2009
10am-1pm
$35.00 per student
To register:
caryl@bigbangbanners.com


Tell all your people! Thnx!







Friday, September 11, 2009