November 2009: Dia de los Muertos #2

This group show features 32 artists creating artwork to commemorate their ancestors and departed loved ones. The art ranges from whimsical to political, to painfully personal. Reclaiming this Mexican American tradition in their own personal interpretation, these artists translate it into their own vision.

This ancient holiday began as a day of thanks for the harvest. Over time, it became a time to remember the ancestors and beloved ones who have died. Once one knows death intimately, death is no longer wrapped in a cloak of mystery or a reason to fear the darkness. Many customs and traditions have been added over the years, but for the most part, this ancient holiday is as it always was -- a time of remembrance and love.

There’s no need to be afraid of the Day of the Dead. This is a happy holiday! The artists participating in this group show are: Puddy Adkisson, Justine Avera, Bridget Benton, Stephanie Brockway, Scot Cameron-Bell, Greg Carrigan, Robin Bachtler Cushman, Paul Dahlquist, Bill Dean, Michael deMeng, David Guardado, Kestral Gates, Chris Giffin, Denise Graham, Ingrid Hendrix, Janet Julian, Lisa Kaser, Kathy McConnell, Cynthia Mooney, Kim Murton, Armando Olveda, Dan Pillers, Tabor Porter, Beth Robinson, Gloria Sowell, Mary Stanley, Teresa Sullivan, Jimmy Trudeau, Dawn Waldal, Terresa White, Holly Whitney & Steve Winkenwerder.