The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft (KMAC) had teamed up with the UofL Latin American and Latino Studies Program to celebrate the Dia de los Muertos “Day of the Dead” holiday by hosting several special events. From October 19 through November 11, 2009, KMAC will construct an altar in which the public is invited to bring items to honor family, friends and deceased loved ones. In conjunction with the First Friday Gallery Hop on Friday, November 6th from 5:00-10:00pm, the Museum will host festivities that include food, live music, sugar skull and tissue flower workshops, Flamenco and fire dancers, a Frida Kahlo and skeleton costume contest, face painting, puppets, art cars and a candlelit march. Mexican folk art from the collection of Phillip S. Cooke will be on display, and a variety of themed artwork will be for sale, including pieces from Penny Sisto, Geoff Carr, Danny Dutton and many more. The November 6th celebration is free and open to the public, and guests are encouraged to wear costumes and masks.
On Saturday, October 31 from noon-4pm, the Museum will host a Polymer Clay Milagros and Day of the Dead Inspired Jewelry Workshop with Wayne Ferguson. Students will create wearable art influenced by Day of the Dead imagery and traditional Milagros. Milagros are small religious charms found across Latin America and especially in Mexico. The word "Milagro" means "Miracle" and Milagros are often pinned to crosses or altars or carried for protection and good luck. Wayne Ferguson, who is well known for his humorous and colorful clay creations, will lead this workshop. Much of Mr. Ferguson’s work has also been influenced by his studies of primitive pottery with Juan Quezada in Chihuahua, Mexico. The cost is $45.00 for Museum members, $50.00 for non-members. Call (502) 589-0102 or visit www.kentuckyarts.org to reserve your space.
The Dia de los Muertos celebration is made possible by support from TJ Maxx/TJX Companies, the Hispanic Latino Coalition of Louisville, UPS, Lowry Watkins Jr., Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home and Republic Bank.
These festivities are being held in conjunction with a citywide celebration of Day of the Dead. Other participating organizations include 21C Museum, the UofL Fine Arts Department, the UofL Physics Department, the Frazier International History Museum, the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Science Center, the Mellwood Art Center and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana.
