The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft (KMAC) will team up with the UofL Latin American and Latino Studies Program to honor and celebrate the Dia de los Muertos “Day of the Dead” holiday. From October 12 through November 12, KMAC will display a series of altars, including an altar dedicated to the victims of the Haitian earthquake and the Chilean earthquake, an altar honoring Frida Kahlo, a public altar where guests are invited to bring items to honor their family, friends and deceased loved ones, and an altar constructed by students in the UofL Fine Arts Department. In conjunction with the First Friday Trolley Hop on Friday, November 5th from 5:00-10:00pm, the Museum will host a party including food, live music, sugar skull and tissue flower workshops, Flamenco and fire dancers, face painting, a skeleton costume contest, art cars and a candlelit march. Mexican folk art from the collection of Phillip S. Cooke will be on exhibit, and a variety of themed artwork will be for sale in the Gallery Shop. The November 5th celebration is free and open to the public, and guests are encouraged to wear costumes and masks.

On Saturday, October 30th from noon-4:00pm, the Education Department will host a hands-on workshop for adults titled “Altered Books”. Participants will draw inspiration from the altars and shrines constructed during Day of the Dead festivities and learn a multitude of techniques for altering a book, from cutting niches to adding doors, windows and pockets. Paints, dyes, pencils, knives, stamps, and memorabilia will be used to create an altar from a simple book, and participants are encouraged to bring their own items to include. This workshop will be led by local artist Elizabeth Riggle. The cost is $43 for Museum members and $48 for non-members. To register, call 502-589-0102 or email julieyoder@kentuckyarts.org.

These festivities are being held in conjunction with a citywide celebration of Day of the Dead.