20th Annual
Día de los Muertos

Retablo Exhibition

Lawndale Art Center is pleased to present its 20th Annual Día de los Muertos exhibition, a celebration of the art, music and practices of Mexico. Lawndale invites Texas artists to create their own interpretation of the traditional tin devotional painting practice in Mexico known as the retablo in this annual series of programs. Every year the works created for this exhibition range from the very traditional to very contemporary and abstract. All proceeds from the silent auction help to fund Lawndale’s annual programs. This year retablos will be on display from nationally known artists such as The Art Guys, Joe Havel, Sharon Kopriva, David McGee, Jesús Moroles and Al Souza. Up and coming fresh Texas talent will also be represented by Nina Craig, Francesca Fuchs, Thomas Glass, Allison Hunter, and many, many more. Over 250 retablos will be on display during the exhibition and available for auction at the gala.

Lawndale Art Center wishes to thank H-E-B for underwriting these programs.

Retablo Gala and Silent Auction
Friday, Oct 26, 2007
Artist, Member and Sponsor preview 6:00pm-7:00pm
Gala and Silent Auction 7:00 - 9:00 pm

John M. O'Quinn Gallery

Admission: $40 per person
$30 for Lawndale Members

The festivities begin with a silent auction Saturday, 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 Día de los Muertos 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 including El Meson, Hugo's, La Mexicana, Prego, Patrón Tequila, Saint Arnold Brewery and Tart Cafe.

Music from DJ's Vic Vegas and Mr. Bristle, and Mariachi Hermosura Juvenil.

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Sugar Skull Workshop
Thursday, November 1, 2007
4:00-7:00PM

In conjunction with our 20th annual Día de los Muertos celebration, Lawndale Art Center is offering a sugar skull making workshop. Stop in for a quick lesson, or stick around and help us make skulls to be decorated at our Family Day Fiesta on Saturday, November 3rd. The workshop is free and open to the public. All participants may take home one sugar skull and a printed recipe.

To pre-register or for more details contact Mat Wolff at mwolff@lawndaleartcenter.org

Family Day Fiesta
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Noon - 4:00 PM

Admission: Free

Student Exhibitions
on view October 22 - November 7, 2007


Through Lawndale's Dia de los Muertos Educational Programs, 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 17 Houston-area schools the opportunity of displaying their work in our galleries. In past years, over 300 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!

12:30 PM

Houston Grand Opera Studio artists present the Mexican movement from the world premiere, The Refuge.

1:30 PM

Mixteco Ballet Folklorico

2:30 PM

Mariachi Hermosura Juvenil

3:30 PM

Mixteco Ballet Folklorico

Students & Teachers: Día 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 Día de los Muertos tradition by scheduling a tour with the Lawndale staff.

• Bring personal items for LAC's community altar.

• Volunteer for Día de los Muertos events