Amy williams and I have been asked to do a new shrine for this years Dia de los Muertos exhibit: http://www.indplsartcenter.org/
The Mexican tradition, Day of the Dead is a family celebration, a reunion of the living with their deceased relatives. On November 1, departed children are remembered. This is known as the Day of the Little Angels or Día de los Angelitos. Adults are remembered on November 2. Different regions of Mexico celebrate in different ways. In some villages a boisterous masquerade parade takes place while in other areas residents hold candle-lit vigils in the cemetery. Mexican communities in the United States also celebrate the Day of the Dead, blending their traditional fiesta with modern festivities.
The Indianapolis Art Center began providing Day of the Dead programming in 2000 as a response to the growing Hispanic and Latino populations in Indianapolis. It started as a way to engage this community through a celebration of culture and tradition. The Art Center has found that Day of the Dead programming bridges all communities because death is an experience shared among all people. Communicating the history and importance of this celebration through art activities that reflect the tradition and engage children and adults in discussion regarding their own beliefs has connected people from all walks of life. The Art Center serves an educational role regarding Day of the Dead and continues to strive to bring people of all backgrounds together.
