October 19-November 7, 2009

For over twenty years Lawndale Art Center has presented an annual open call, non-juried exhibition that celebrates the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos in a contemporary context.  This program supports area artists and students by offering them an opportunity to show their works to diverse audiences in a museum quality setting. Over the years additional programming has been developed to educate audiences and encourage dialogue in celebration of Mexican-American heritage in our region. Día de los Muertos programs and exhibitions at Lawndale Art Center promote cultural awareness of Mexican folk art practices associated with this celebration of family, life and community.

Retablo Exhibition
October 19 - November 7, 2009

Lawndale Art Center is pleased to present its 22nd Annual Día de los Muertos series of programs, a celebration of the art and music 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 exhibition.

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Gala and Retablo Silent Auction
Friday, October 23, 2009
Artist, Member and Sponsor preview 6-7 PM
Gala and Silent Auction 7-9 PM

Event Chairs
Michelle Aviña and Steven Hempel

Admission: $40 per person
$30 for Lawndale Members
Available at the door, by calling 713.528.5858
or email askus@lawndaleartcenter.org

The festivities begin with a silent auction Friday, October 23. The auction of retablos, created and donated by nearly 250 Texas artists, 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.

Music from Mr. Bristle and friends. Tasty tidbits and libations from Mission Burrito, Tacos A Go-Go, Raven Grill, Tart Cafe, Brasil, The Chocolate Bar, Saint Arnold Brewing Company and El Milagro Tequila.

For ticket information, call 713-528-5858.

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Musical Ofrenda
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
6-7:30 PM
performances begin at 6:30 PM

During Día de los Muertos families create ofrendas or altars to remember and honor the memory of their ancestors. River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) and Musiqa will present short original contemporary, classic compositions as musical ofrendas. Inprint will also present original readings written in the tradition of making an offering during the Día de los Muertos celebrations. Join ROCO, Musiqa, Inprint and Lawndale Art Center for an evening of celebration and remembrance. Admission is free. This event is a partnership between ROCO, Inprint, Musiqa, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate General of Mexico and Lawndale Art Center.

http://www.houstoncelebratesmexico2010.com/

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Community Ofrenda
October 19 – November 7, 2009

Starting October 19, guests are encouraged to bring a personal item of remembrance to add to our community altar honoring departed loved ones.

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Papel Picado Workshop
Thursday, October 29, 2009
6 PM

Houston art educator and Lawndale supporter Jean King will lead a papel picado workshop. Visitors will not only learn about the traditional art of Mexican paper cutting from one of the best, but will also get to create and take home their own unique perforated paper creation. The workshops is free and open to the public.

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Sugar Skull Workshop
Thursday, November 5, 2009
4-7 PM

In conjunction with our 22nd 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 7th. The workshop is free and open to the public. All participants may take home one sugar skull and a printed recipe.

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Family Day Fiesta
Saturday, November 7, 2009
12-4 PM

Admission: Free
Lawndale’s 22nd annual Día de los Muertos celebration continues with a Saturday fiesta honoring participating teachers and students whose works of art can be viewed in the Cavnar and Mezzanine Galleries. Enjoy refreshments and children's activities such as cutting papel picado and decorating sugar skulls, along with performances by Mixteco Ballet Folklorico, School of the Woods, and Houston Grand Opera. Chihuahua, Mexico native Cecilia Duarte, a member of Houston Grand Opera's Chorus and Opera to Go! program performs songs from the Americas.

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Sponsors

To find out more about making a donation to this year's Día de los Muertos, please download our Donor Packet or contact us at 713.528.5858 or by email at askus@lawndaleartcenter.org.

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Students and Teachers

There are a variety of ways teachers and students can participate in our events:

• Your school group’s artwork can be featured in Lawndale’s Mezzanine and Cavnar galleries during the months of October and November.  Please contact Emily Link for more details by calling 713.528.5858 or through email. You can also download this year’s Cover Letter and Education Packet for more information.
• Introduce your students to the Día de los Muertos tradition by scheduling a tour with the Lawndale staff.
• Visit our Day of the Dead Teacher’s Resource Page assembled by Carrie Green Markello.  This page serves as an excellent resource for students and teachers interested in learning about the history and traditions of this unique holiday.
• Bring personal items for Lawndale’s community altar.
• If you are an artist, you can submit a retablo for LAC’s silent auction.  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.

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