L.A. Events to Celebrate Mexican Tradition
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Much folk art has its roots in religious and family traditions celebrated by members of the artist’s community. One of the predominant folk-art traditions is Day of the Dead, Dia de Los Muertos, a Nov. 2 Mexican celebration in which the family is reunited as the dead return to visit the living. As part of the celebrations, deceased relatives are represented in the form of calaveras, smiling skeleton figures.
Below are a few performing and visual-arts events celebrating the Day of the Dead:
For the record:
12:00 a.m. Oct. 28, 1989 For the Record
Los Angeles Times Saturday October 28, 1989 Home Edition Calendar Part F Page 5 Column 1 Entertainment Desk 2 inches; 54 words Type of Material: Correction
Art Exhibition--M. H. Smith’s exhibition, “Day of the Dead Alter,” was incorrectly titled “Day of the Dead Altar” in a listing of local events celebrating the Mexican tradition in Friday’s Calendar. The exhibition, through Nov. 12 at USC Atelier in the Santa Monica Place shopping mall, is concerned with “change and continuity in Western art traditions,” according to the artist.
Friday-Sunday: “A Special Dia de los Muertos Weekend” at Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (1804 Industrial St., (213) 624-5650). Three performances of pieces exploring the Day of the Dead theme. Featuring the work of Luis Alfaro, Arjuna, Michael Avila, Fernando D. Castro, Luis Lopez, Roberto Marquez, Betty Gonzalez Nash, Akilah Nayo Oliver, William Roper, Ernesto Salcedo and Arturo Urista. Tickets are $8; $6 for LACE members and students. 8 p.m.
Saturday: Day of the Dead Masks Workshop at the Woman’s Building, 1727 N. Spring St. Artist Diane Gamboa will help participants create masks out of papier-mache, paint and found objects. Workshop costs $15; $13 for Women’s Building members. 10 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday: El Dia de los Muertos celebrations at the Los Angeles Children’s Museum. Participants can build traditional Day of the Dead altars, and make their own calaveras. Free. Parades at 1 and 3 p.m. both days.
Sunday: Artists Juan Alcazar, Justina Fuentes and Jorge Lopez will help museum visitors create a large Day of the Dead sand painting at the Long Beach Museum of Art (2300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, (213) 439-2119). Free. Noon.
Through Sunday: Day of the Dead exhibition at the Long Beach Museum of Art (Rental Gallery, 2300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, (213) 439-2119). Commemorative Day of the Dead artworks by Juan Alcazar, Justina Fuentes and Jorge Lopez.
Monday: “Noche de Risa y Susto” (“Die Laughing”) at the Los Angeles Theatre Center’s Latino Theatre Lab (514 S. Spring St., (213) 627-6500). A stage show, buffet dinner and Latino Theatre Lab benefit celebrating Dia de Los Muertos. $125. 6 p.m.
Wednesday through Nov. 5: La Fiesta de los Muertos Art Auction and Sale at Union Station (800 N. Alameda St. (213) 225-4044). Includes a buffet and auction at 7 p.m. on Wednesday (tickets are $100), as well as an exhibition and silent auction Thursday through Nov. 5. Features works by 27 major Hispanic-American and Hispanic-influenced painters and sculptors.
Thursday: Day of the Dead Fiesta at La Luz de Jesus Gallery (7400 Melrose Ave., (213) 651-4875). Free. 8 p.m.
Thursday: Day of the Dead Celebration at The Folk Tree (217 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, (818) 795-8733). Free. 4 p.m.
Through Thursday: Exhibit of Day of the Dead works by contemporary Mexican-American artists. In the Old Winery building on Olvera Street. Free.
Nov. 3: “Invitation to Death: A Day of the Dead Celebration,” at Self-Help Graphics (3802 Brooklyn Ave., (213) 264-1259). Includes an exhibition of work by 15 artists. Free. 7 p.m.
Nov. 4: Day of the Dead celebration at Los Angeles Photography Center. Includes Mexican music by Ruben Guevera y Con Safos, and Irma “Cuicui” Rangel and the Corazon Band; and performances by Miguel Delgado Dance Troupe. Also traditional foods and a candle-light procession. 3 to 9 p.m.
Through Nov. 4: Sixth annual Artists Interpret Day of the Dead show at New Stone Age shop/gallery (8407 W. 3rd St., (213) 658-5969). Includes Traditional Day of the Dead Mexican objects by artists and crafts makers.
Through Nov. 5: Fourth annual Day of the Dead Show at La Luz de Jesus Gallery (7400 Melrose Ave., (213) 651-4875). Includes contemporary works by more than 30 artists.
Through Nov. 5: Sixth annual Day of the Dead Altars Exhibit at The Folk Tree (217 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, (818) 795-8733).
Through Nov. 12: “Day of the Dead Altar” at USC Atelier (Santa Monica Place Shopping Center, second level, at 4th Street and Broadway, (213) 394-7373). An installation by artist M. H. Smith. Includes 24 works portraying Michelangelo’s “David” wearing a Mexican-style skull mask.
Through Nov. 22: Art exhibition of Day of the Dead themed paintings, photography and sculptures by 68 artists. At the Los Angeles Photography Center (412 S. Park View, (213) 383-7342).
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