The Sheldon Museum of Art will celebrate Dia de los Muertos with a new exhibit and a pair of events.
The exhibition, which opens Oct. 25, will include a colorful "ofrenda," Spanish poetry and art in the Sheldon's Great Hall and galleries. Two main events are planned: an Oct. 31 family day, and a Nov. 12 masquerade ball.
El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a centuries old, spiritual tradition that expresses the continuity of life by honoring the dead on their return to Earth for one day each year. The Sheldon's Great Hall decorations will include paper-mache sculptures, masks and papel picados. An ofrenda (altar) will be available for visitors to honor the deceased. The small sculptures and masks used in the decorations will be available for purchase through a silent auction.
The Dia de los Muertos decor in the Great Hall will be on view through Nov. 15.
The free family day is noon to 4 p.m., Oct. 31. Events include a production of "The Migrant Farmworker's Son" performed by Lincoln High School theater students, music from Mariachi Luna y Sol, art-making activities and an announcement proclaiming the winner in the Sheldon Calaveras contest. Mexican breads, chocolate and other traditional foods will be available.
The masquerade ball is 7 to 10 p.m., Nov. 12 in the Great Hall and will feature music by Mariachi Zapata. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and costumes in the spirit of Dia de los Muertos. The silent auction ends at the end of the evening. Cost is $35 for the general public and $25 for Sheldon members. Tickets are available online at http://www.sheldon.unl.edu or by contacting Jennifer Cantrell at jcantrell2@unl.edu or (402) 472-1454.
More details at: http://sheldonartmuseum.org