'Dia de los Muertos' tradition celebrated at Sheldon Oct. 27-Nov. 15
Released on 10/12/2009, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, through Nov. 15, 2009
WHERE: Sheldon Museum of Art, 12th and R Streets
Events at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Sheldon Museum of Art this month will celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a centuries-old spiritual tradition expressing the continuity of life by honoring the dead on their return to Earth for one day each year.
The museum's Great Hall will be elaborately decorated Oct. 27 for the art and cultural celebration with papier-mache sculptures, masks and papel picados (punched-paper art) hanging from the windows. Community artists and UNL students in Anne Ruehrmund Barton's Art in the Community class are working with young students from throughout the community to create these art installations. An ofrenda (altar) will be constructed for visitors to honor their loved ones. The small sculptures and masks used in the decorations will be available for purchase through a silent auction Oct. 29 through 7 p.m. Nov. 6. The Dia de los Muertos decor in the Great Hall will be on view through Nov. 15.
Two special events are planned for the celebration:
From 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 29, there will be a masquerade ball in the Great Hall featuring festive music by Mariachi Zapata. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks in the spirit of Dia de los Muertos. Mexican beverages, hors d'oeuvres and margaritas will be served. Reservations at $35 per person, limited to the first 120, may be made by contacting Laurie Sipple at (402) 472-1170 or lsipple2@unl.edu.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 31, there will be a free family day. Events include a morning performance by Lincoln High School theater students and Fiesta Mexicana of the Heartland, and afternoon art-making and music by The Lincoln Harp Duo and Mariachi Luna y Sol. Mexican breads, chocolate and other traditional foods will be available for visitors.
This celebration has been made possible through coordination by the Sheldon Art Association and a community advisory committee. Organizations providing funding and support include Southeast Community College, BlueCross BlueShield of Nebraska, Lincoln Benefit Life, Lincoln Public Schools, the Nebraska Arts Council, the UNL Department of Art and Art History, Haydon Art Center, and numerous Lincoln businesses.
Sheldon Museum of Art, 12th and R streets on the UNL City Campus, is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For information, call (402) 472-2461 or visit www.sheldon.unl.edu. To schedule a docent-led tour, call (402) 472-4524. Admission to the museum is free.