Media Credit: Brenna Cheyney [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Brenna Cheyney [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Brenna Cheyney [Click to enlarge]

Skeletons have invaded the Maude Kerns Art Center.

Usually conjuring creepy feelings, these skeletons are featured in charming artwork celebrating Dia de los Muertos.

The Mexican holiday, also called Day of the Dead in English, is not one of candy or ghoulish high jinks but one of tribute and remembrance.

During the exhibit's opening fiesta on Oct. 19, more than 80 community members squeezed into the renovated church to view artwork, watch traditional dancing and enjoy delicious food.

Dozens of paintings, photographs, mixed-media designs, drawings and sculptures fill the room with skulls, glitter and bright colors.

Traditional marigold arches and crosses add punches of color throughout the Center.

In each room, elaborate alters celebrate the lives of deceased community members - including a local poet and journalist and two Springfield teenagers.

Each alter is filled with personal touches like photographs, flowers, books, sugar skulls, food, tequila, letters and glasses of water.

Some of the stand-out pieces in the exhibit were photographs by Vancouver artist Nicholas Beatty.

His photograph entitled "Lovelorn Calaca" features a man dressed in a tuxedo with skeleton-themed face paint.

The unknown man, complete with ruffled shirt and flower in hand, sits on concrete stairs and gazes out of the photograph with brooding eyes.

Across the room, Carmela Chase's fancy shadow boxes liven the white walls with elaborate glitter patterns and small painted skulls.

One of the brightest pieces in the gallery is a rustic window painted by local artist Dawn McIlwain that features a skull and flower motif.

McIlwain said she the meaning of her artwork is commemoration.

"I began to learn about the Day of the Dead celebration because I'm also a volunteer for Amigos (Multicultural Services)," she said.

McIlwain said, "I wanted to really convey the celebration."

The highlight of the opening reception was performances by musician Ricardo Cárdenas and two dance groups: Ballet Folklórico Infantil and Ballet Folklórico Xochiquetzal.

The adorable children of Ballet Folklórico Infantil stole the show.

Young girls wearing white dresses and red ribbons in their hair appeared to each dance to a different song. They spun around in circles, occasionally running into each other.

The large crowd laughed, cheered and clapped along to the music.

Volunteer Kat Collins, who spent most of the night guarding a display of intricate jewelry, said the celebration was important.

"I think that it's really great that so many community members support Maude Kerns Art because Maude Kerns Art is supporting the community."

treagan@dailyemerald.com

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