New Mexico

Día de los Muertos Exhibit opens at Branigan Cultural Center

Las Cruces, NM –“Día de los Muertos” is the subject of a new exhibit at Branigan Cultural Center.  It opens on Friday October 2nd during the First Friday Downtown Ramble from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  “Día de los Muertos” remains on display through November 7, 2009.  The exhibit features the work of nineteen regional artists in a wide variety of media. 

The Cultural Center released a call for submissions last winter for the juried exhibit.  Judges were selected from the community that were knowledgeable of the Día de los Muertos tradition, the Latin American culture, and had a demonstrated appreciation for individual expression.  Works that reflected the joyous celebration of “Día de los Muertos” tradition were given priority.

In addition to the exhibit, a Día de los Muertos altar will be opened in the classroom October 28 through November 9, 2009.  Assembling the altar has become an annual tradition for Jose Tena, along with his dancers and students.  On Saturday, October 31st there will be a performance by Ballet Folklórico de la Tierra del Encanto and posolé dinner.  It all happens in the Shannon Gallery at the Cultural Center from 11 am to 1 pm. The program and meal are free, on a first come first served basis.

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated throughout Latin American cultures and includes an interesting blend of European and Pre-Hispanic indigenous traditions. In Latin America death is part of the cycle of life, and rather than being feared, it is celebrated – often with a sense of humor. Coinciding with the Catholic religion’s All Saints Day and All Souls Day, the celebrations for Día de los Muertos last for three days: October 31st, November 1st and 2nd. 

The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main Street, is located at the north end of the Downtown Mall in Las Cruces.  The exhibit and reception is free and open to the public.  Galleries are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  For more information about exhibits, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at las-cruces.org/museums.