AVPA Visual Art, the CCHS La Fuerza Club and Self Help Graphics are teaming up to create a community altar to celebrate Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). La Fuerza is a cultural Latinx club whose mission is to be a safe space for any student who identifies as Latinx allowing them to express their culture and connect with other members of the club, who may share different cultures and customs. Self Help Graphics & Art, a community center in East Los Angeles, fosters the creation and advancement of new art works by Chicana/o and Latinx artists through experimental and innovative printmaking techniques and other visual art forms.
Día de Los Muertos, celebrated on November 1 and 2, originated in Mexico, and is mostly honored by Mexicans and Mexican culture. But CCHS La Fuerza co-president Alva Navas said the altar the group is creating with AVPA Art is designed to represent different ways people celebrate in all countries.
Hallmarks of community altars include framed photos of the deceased to whom the altar is dedicated, usually positioned in a prime spot on the altar. Papel picado also play a prominent role. These are tissue paper banners with cut out designs of animated skeleton figures that symbolize the wind, one of the elements of life. Sugar skulls, paper marigolds, photos, shoebox altars are also components of the community creation.
Children and families of all ages are invited to view and contribute to a community altar with remembrances of a loved one who has passed — a friend, a parent or grandparent, a pet, any family member or friend. You can bring a photo, a handwritten note, a candle, etc. (Note: nothing contributed to the altar will be returned.)
The altar will be on display at the CCHS campus Monday, October 25 through Thursday, October 28, when AVPA presents its Fall Music Concert.
Pre-concert activities include additional Día de Los Muertos arts and crafts, hot chocolate, Conchas, and a variety of food options. This is an event to bring your family and friends to and enjoy some food while celebrating the Day of the Dead and learning about the event and Latin American traditions.
Pre-concert activities begin at 5:30 p.m.
Music Concert begins at 7 p.m. – this will take place outdoors on the patio/quad next to the cafeteria. Please bring appropriate jackets, etc. because temperatures will be cool in the evening.
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