Since opening in 2013, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art has hosted a community event honoring the Mexican cultural celebration Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) annually each fall.
This year’s celebration will be centered around a traditional ofrenda (altar) and an exhibition called Día de los Muertos & Beyond, featuring the work of local artists of Mexican heritage. The ofrenda will be open to the public for offerings/remembrances Nov. 2-10.
Supporting programs include a public celebration with two seatings November 2; a concert by Correo Aereo that evening; a poetry reading and workshop with Araceli Cruz and BI Poet Laureate Michele Bombardier; and a workshop and presentation by celebrated artist and piñata-maker Roberto Benevidez, whose recent New York Times feature went viral.
Day of the Dead is a colorful Mexican holiday centered around gatherings of family and friends to pray for, remember and support the spiritual journey of those who have died. Traditions include building private altars called ofrendas, where visitors honor the deceased by leaving sugar skulls, marigolds, favorite foods and beverages, possessions and photos of the deceased.
Entry to BIMA is free. Some events require paid tickets or free registration. Complete information can be found on BIMA’s website at: www.biartmuseum.org/events/dia-de-los-muertos/
Free events
Nov. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Butterfly Wing Workshop at KiDiMu. Kids make and decorate butterfly wings for the mariposa (butterfly) processions to BIMA for the Día de Los Muertos Community Celebrations. There will be a tent outside with butterfly wing supplies, blue blocks to play on, and bubbles. If you make wings and wear them to KiDiMu your group will receive 50% off admission to KiDiMu all day. Processions will happen twice, just before the Community Celebration ceremonies, leaving KiDiMu at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Nov. 2, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Public Opening and Celebration. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with enough space for all, reservations are required. An opening procession of butterfly-costumed kids will lead guests from KiDiMu down a flower path into BIMA’s galleries humming with music, art, and activities. Enjoy samples of Mexican hot chocolate or atole and pan de muerto, make-and-take art activities, traditional face painting, and strolling musicians sharing Mexican folk songs.
Tickets required
Nov. 2, 7 p.m., Correo Aereo (Air Mail) is an award-winning multi-instrumental and vocal Latin American/World Music duo that performs the traditional music of Latin America (mainly Venezuela, Argentina and Mexico) alongside original compositions.
Nov. 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Benavidez will guide participants in creating their own Illuminated Postcards using goatskin parchment, glues, crepe papers and inks.
Nov, 3, 3 p.m. Bombardier and Cruz will offer writing prompts for participants to write their own poems to loved ones. A fun, stress-free workshop. Recommended for ages 14 and older. Bring a pen, paper and a copy of a picture of your loved one(s).
Nov. 4, 6 p.m., Benavidez will share how he came to piñatas as an artistic medium. Woven into his work are subtle references to sin, sexuality and icons from each country that contributed to the piñata’s evolution.
