Most Americans celebrate Halloween in some shape or form, by dressing like a “firewoman,” spreading diabetes, etc., but few observe the Day of the Dead further than tequila shots. This is, after all, a Mexican holiday so it doesn’t relate to the average American, but this holiday is worth attention for its art alone, and the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft is incorporating that style by having a Day of the Dead workshop. The workshop will teach altered book making with themes inspired by the holiday. This isn’t a Mexican custom, but KMAC is embracing Mexican folk culture through American folk art.
The Day of the Dead is marked with brightly colored sugar skulls and alters for the return of loved ones, with a mix of Christian and Pagan symbols. There is an acknowledgement and an acceptance of death in a jovial and peaceful way. Death is recognized as another part of life. Altered books are kind of like scrap books, but don’t focus as much on memories as it does on a creation of theme. Karen’s Whimsy has pictures of the artist’s Day of the Dead altered book and it looks like a miniature shrine.
The workshop is on Saturday, October 30 at KMAC. For more information, or to register, visit www.kentuckyarts.org.
Photo: courtesy Max Media
