Lawndale Art Center

Lawndale's 17th Annual Day of the Dead Celebration

Images from Lawndale's 16th Annual Event

This part of the website is for you to explore the history and practices related to the Day of the Dead.

You may want to find a partner or a group of students to work with.

Challenge 1:

Interview someone who celebrates and/or is knowledgeable about Day of the Dead festivities. Post your interview on the Lawndale discussion board.

Think about:

• What questions should be asked?
• Why might you want to know how this person knows about the festival?
• Why might you want to know where this is person from?

Challenge 2:

Find out about a family member or friend who has passed away.

Think about:

• What kind of things did this person like to eat and drink?
• If you were celebrating the Day of the Dead, why would you want to know about these things?
• How would you prepare for Day of the Dead to honor this person?

Challenge 3:

Create an altar honoring someone who has died. Write a message to this person. Photograph the altar you've created and share it on the Lawndale discussion board.

Think about:

• What would you want to communicate to this person?
• What objects would you place on the altar?
• Why would certain objects be important?

Challenge 4:

How does the place where someone lives influence their Day of the Dead celebration? Create an altar and/or artwork that reflects a specific region. Photograph it and share it on the Lawndale discussion board.

Challenge 5:

Why is it valuable to discuss and learn about Day of the Dead? Support your opinion with some things you've learned.

Waltrip High School student work exhibited at Lawndale Art Center
Rebecca Bass, Art Teacher, 2003

Mini-altars created by Sharpstown Middle School Students exhibited at Lawndale Art Center
Mayra Schmidt, Art Teacher , 2003

Student Installation at Lawndale Art Center