Exhibition of ofrendas (offerings) by local artists is collaboration with Mexican Consulate of Detroit
Updated Oct 9, 2017
September 12, 2017 (Detroit)—The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate of Detroit, will exhibit 20 ofrenda altars, or offerings, created by local artists in the exhibition “Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos,” running from Friday, Oct. 13, to Sunday, Nov. 12. Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a tradition in Mexican and Mexican American communities that honors the life and memory of lost loved ones through creating ofrenda altars.
Among this year’s ofrenda themes are memorials to family members and friends, origins of the Mexican Día de Muertos tradition, artists Frida Kahlo and José Posada, Detroit's historic jazz venues, women who participated in the Mexican Revolution and those afflicted with Alzheimer’s. The altars range from 3 to 8 feet tall and are created from a variety of materials, including found objects, papel picado (paper cutouts), artificial flowers and food, LED candles, sugar skulls, photos, clay, wood and more.
“There are so many talented artists among the Detroit area’s vibrant Mexican American community,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA director. “We’re happy to showcase one of their most important cultural traditions and hope visitors from all backgrounds will make connections with their own traditions of honoring those who have passed on.”
The DIA put out a call to artists for proposals, and submissions were judged by a selection committee of DIA staff and local community members of Mexican heritage. The artists chosen for the exhibition have wide-ranging experiences and occupations—from seasoned artists and teachers to art enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and community group members. Many have designed ofrendas for other museums, galleries and community centers.
Other Día de Muertos themed programs at the DIA include sugar skull workshops on Fridays in October from 6 to 9 p.m., cultural demonstrations of Aztek traditions on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m., dance performances by Ballet Folklórico de Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 1 and 3 p.m. and a talk by the ofrenda artists on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 3 p.m. Festivities are free with museum admission, which is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
Museum Hours and Admission
9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesdays–Thursdays, 9 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. General admission (excludes ticketed exhibitions) is free for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county residents and DIA members. For all others, $14 for adults, $9 for seniors ages 62+, $8 for college students, $6 for ages 6–17. For membership information, call 313-833-7971.
September 12, 2017 (Detroit)—The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate of Detroit, will exhibit 20 ofrenda altars, or offerings, created by local artists in the exhibition “Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos,” running from Friday, Oct. 13, to Sunday, Nov. 12. Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a tradition in Mexican and Mexican American communities that honors the life and memory of lost loved ones through creating ofrenda altars.
Among this year’s ofrenda themes are memorials to family members and friends, origins of the Mexican Día de Muertos tradition, artists Frida Kahlo and José Posada, Detroit's historic jazz venues, women who participated in the Mexican Revolution and those afflicted with Alzheimer’s. The altars range from 3 to 8 feet tall and are created from a variety of materials, including found objects, papel picado (paper cutouts), artificial flowers and food, LED candles, sugar skulls, photos, clay, wood and more.
“There are so many talented artists among the Detroit area’s vibrant Mexican American community,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA director. “We’re happy to showcase one of their most important cultural traditions and hope visitors from all backgrounds will make connections with their own traditions of honoring those who have passed on.”
The DIA put out a call to artists for proposals, and submissions were judged by a selection committee of DIA staff and local community members of Mexican heritage. The artists chosen for the exhibition have wide-ranging experiences and occupations—from seasoned artists and teachers to art enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and community group members. Many have designed ofrendas for other museums, galleries and community centers.
Other Día de Muertos themed programs at the DIA include sugar skull workshops on Fridays in October from 6 to 9 p.m., cultural demonstrations of Aztek traditions on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m., dance performances by Ballet Folklórico de Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 1 and 3 p.m. and a talk by the ofrenda artists on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 3 p.m. Festivities are free with museum admission, which is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
Museum Hours and Admission
9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesdays–Thursdays, 9 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. General admission (excludes ticketed exhibitions) is free for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county residents and DIA members. For all others, $14 for adults, $9 for seniors ages 62+, $8 for college students, $6 for ages 6–17. For membership information, call 313-833-7971.