25th annual Dia de los Muertos exhibition

Theme: Traditions
October 20 – November 18, 2017

Marking the 25th year of our annual exhibit, Dia de los Muertos (November 1 & 2, to be exact) calls for us all to pay tribute to our loved ones who have passed away, to celebrate their lives and provide offerings in welcoming their returning spirits during this holiday. Colorful ofrendas are decorated with traditional items like sugar skulls, flowers, papel picado, as well as personal items and that in which represent who they were in life. Not only do we celebrate the lives of the dead, Dia also is a time to reflect on the precious lives that are still with us. After all, death is a part of the cycle of life, as is living.

This year’s theme, Traditions, reflects on the customs of Dia. Traditions differ across regions of Mexico. Various cultures around the globe also observe customs in honoring their ancestors. The celebration of Dia as a tradition is not concentrating on the items and symbolisms, but the essence of rejoicing in life and not fearing death.

In addition to the ofrendas and artwork, this year we also present Dia de Muertos en Mexico, a photo series of 33 images by Mexican artists presenting a wide array of traditions and customs across Mexico. The series is provided by and in partnership with Consulate of Mexico in Milwaukee and National Council for Culture and Arts of Mexico.

Featuring ofrendas by:
Consulate of Mexico in Milwaukee
Dulce Rosas & South Division High School students
Latinas en Accion
Young People’s Resistance Committee (YPRC)
WPCA’s tribute to Chavela Vargas
Cempazuchi restaurant honoring Chef Sal Sanchez Jr.

Artwork by Diego Heredia, Yessica Jimenez, Leann Wooten.

Image above
Title: Lucero Mictlán
Artist: Prometeo Jorge Rodríguez
Date: November 2, 2009
Place: Panteón de Mixquic, Ciudad de México

~ Dia de los Muertos ~
~ Education Workshop ~

In addition to the exhibition, WPCA provides an educational workshop and tour. The goal of the workshop is to use the exhibition and content to help students and educators learn about Dia de los Muertos, its history, customs, and traditions. Students will learn about the celebration and symbolism behind common Dia items like sugar skulls, marigold flowers, monarch butterflies…

Students will be given a guided tour of the exhibition and make Dia related art. Each workshop will be 60 minutes, available between 9:00 am to 2:00 pm…click here for more info.