October 27 - November 29, 2006

 
Day of the Dead
Dia de los Muertos

Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos | Lawndale's 19th Annual

Retablo Silent Auction/Gala  |  Family Day/Fiesta  |  Literary Ofrenda

Lawndale Art Center is pleased to present its 19th Annual Day of the Dead exhibition, a celebration of the art, music and practices of Mexico. In this annual event, Lawndale invites Texas artists to create their own interpretation of the traditional tin devotional painting practice in Mexico known as the retablo. Every year the works created for this event range from the very traditional to the more abstract. All proceeds from the silent auction help to fund Lawndale Art Center's annual programs.

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Literary Ofrenda with Nuestra Palabra:
Latino Writers Having Their Say | Wednesday Oct 25
starting at 6pm

Admission: Free
In celebration of Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos, Lawndale and Houston's Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say will present an evening of literary ofrendas (offerings) to the late authors, Trindad Sanchez Jr. and Gloria Anzaldua. It's a unique Lawndale experience where local writers, poets and essayists will offer various forms of poetry and prose honoring these influential and internationally celebrated writers. Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Tony Diaz, author, Founder and Artistic Director of Nuestra Palabra.

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Retablo Gala and Silent Auction | Thursday, Oct 26, 2006

Member's Preview 6:00-7:00 pm
Silent Auction 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Admission: $35 per person
complimentary for Lawndale Members


The Festivities continue with a silent auction at 7 p.m. on October 26. The auction of retablos, created by nearly 300 Texas artists, will feature contemporary interpretations of this traditional, devotional art. Guests will also enjoy previewing LAC's Day of the Dead exhibitions in the Cavnar and Mezzanine Galleries which feature the works of Houston school children. Complimentary food and drinks will be provided for attending guests by local restaurants.

8/17/2006 - THE TINS ARE IN!!!!
TINS ARE LIMITED TO ONE SHEET PER ARTTIST AND ARE ISSUED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS. Artists can pick up Retablo Tins at Lawndale Art Center during normal business hours
There is no entry fee. Submission deadline is Monday, October 16. Entry forms available for download here: Retablo instructions and forms

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Family Day/Fiesta | Saturday Oct 28 Noon - 4:00 PM

Admission: Free

Student Exhibitions
on view October 27 - November 29, 2006
Admission: Free


Through Lawndale's Day of the Dead Educational Program, Lawndale encourages teachers to educate their students about this important Mexican event and its relating art practices. Lawndale staff assists teachers in coordinating activities for their students and offers approximately 12 Houston-area schools the opportunity of displaying their work in our galleries. In past years, students have submitted projects highlighting the art of Mexico, such as sugar skulls, papel picado, paper mache skeletons, altars and large-scale installations. To honor these young aspiring artists, Lawndale hosts a Fiesta for teachers, students and the general public. Hot chocolate and pan de muerto are served along with live entertainment and lots of fun!

Students & Teachers: Dia de los Muertos Resource Page
An excellent Resource Page assembled by Carrie Green Markello where students and teachers can learn about the history and traditions of this unique holiday.


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Ways you can participate in Lawndale's Day of the Dead events:

  • If you are an artist, you can submit a retablo for LAC's silent auction. Pick up a sheet of Metal from LAC while supplies last and return to us as your artwork submission. With your submission, you will be given one admission ticket to our well-attended gala/silent auction. At least 50% of the proceeds made from the sale of your retablo help LAC present the work of artists from this region.
  • Introduce your students to the Day of the Dead tradition by scheduling a tour with the Lawndale staff.
  • Bring personal items for LAC's community altar.