Dia De Los Muertos 2006
Self Help Graphics & Art began celebrating Day of the Dead on November 2, 1972. Two artists met in the Evergreen Cemetery, located twelve blocks from the art center in East Los Angeles on Cesar Chavez Avenue (formerly Brooklyn Ave) to celebrate and honor the dead, as their ancestors in Mexico had centuries before.
In the following years, more artists were incorporated in the celebration. The artists made masks, costumes, posters and altars. Youth workshops were developed in order to educate young artists of the centuries old tradition. From the cemetery on the corner of 1st and Evergreen in East Los Angeles, a procession was held. Self Help Graphics & Art founder, Sister Karen Boccalero lead the charge of community residents, artists, patrons, and youth, launching a tradition that created a lasting impact on Los Angeles culture for more than 35 years.
This year marks an important moment in the history of this great organization as SHG paves a new path for the future. In doing so, we have adopted the theme:Transcendence/ Regeneración .
Tanscendence/
Regeneración
The Days of the Dead observances date back to pre-Columbian times in Mexico and other parts of the Americas. These were special days in the calendar set aside to honor those who had died. This was an occasion not only to remember the dead, but most importantly, to focus on the cycle of life in which Death was just another phase of 7 Life itself. This focus was principally centered around the concept of fertility and the afterlife.
The ancient Mexicans’ philosophy and religion encompassed this duality in life and nature, amid which, Life and Death were linked in the journey from one world to the
next. Special homage was designated to those who experienced certain dying. Among these were warriors who died in battle, women who died during childbirth, children,
whether stillborn or born, and healers. It was believed they went to a special place in Mictlan where they enjoyed their afterlife, and it was thought that their spirits
returned to visit the living in the form of butterflies. Can this belief possibly coincide with the marvelous journey of millions of Monarch butterflies who return to
central and
southern Mexico, year after year, for more than a millennium?
The primary reason for celebrating Days of the Dead is to honor those who have died. Yet, this practice assures that the perpetuation of Life - regeneration - is continued, because it is believed that the dead provide the connection necessary -the transcendence- between the living and the life beyond- and now, even connecting us with God and the saints.
The butterfly has been chosen as the icon for this year's Day of the Dead celebration. It symbolizes the hope that this cycle of life will also touch all of us in today's convoluted world. Because along with the remembrances of our departed loved ones, the butterfly can also serve to remind us of our desperate need today, for renewal, for healing, and for moving forward toward a better society.
Artist/Curator:
Ofelia Esparza
Noche de Ofrenda, October 21, 2006
6:00 p.m. Coffee and pan de muerto
7:00 p.m. Blessing of the Altars
Performance by Tatalejos
Self Help Graphics & Art has become a central location for Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Los Angeles. Every year over 3000+ artists and community residents participate in this special event!
The Procession, November 2, 2006
The celebration begins with a procession, lead by Board President Armando Duron. Participants are asked to meet at CINCO PUNTOS (Cesar Chavez & Lorena) at 5:00PM, We will then proceed to SELF HELP GRAPHICS & ART, located at 3802 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue & Gage. Participants are encouraged to dress in Calavera mask's and attire. Be sure to attend the mascaras workshop, October 7, 14, & 21st to make your mask for the procession! Calavera Face Painting will also be available at SHG from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. $5.00 for the whole face, $3 for a design.
Community Altar
Bring your offers and memories to display at the large community ALTAR that will be constructed at SELF HELP's statue of the vírgen. The altar will be created by premier altar maker and community resident, Ofelia Esparza. This inspirational and important art of traditional altar making serves as a way for the community to contribute their memories to the altar with their special tokens of remembrance. SELF HELP GRAPHICS will also have colorful butterflies available for participants to write in the name of their loved ones and leave at the altar of the vírgen.
Altar Exhibitions, Brooklyn Gallery
This years Altar exhibit is curated by Ofelia Esparza and features altars by local artist and schools.
Ofelia Esparza
Rosanna Ahrens
Margaret Beltran & Richard Beltan
Vibiana Aparicio-Chamberlin
Elena Esparza
Consuelo Flores
Rigo Maldonado
Margaret Sosa
Juana Flores
Ginette Rondeau
Semillas Del Pueblo
Rowen Avenue Elementry
East Side Project Gallery
A collection of 10 - 15 Self Help Graphics & Art Limited Edition Serigraph prints of the Day of the Dead and featuring the 2006 Day of the Dead serigraph of international artist Wayne Healy.
Curator:
Self Help Graphics & Art, Inc.
Galeria Regeneracion
The newest addition to the Galerias Otra Vez exhibition complex will feature an exhibition featuring artwork from Day of the Dead youth workshops.
Aztlan Ballroom
Artist William Acedo will create an installation with youth from Academillas Semillas Del Pueblo depicting large-scale stencils of monarch butterflies throughout the ballroom. Academillas Semillas will also be conducting Youth Art Workshops throughout the day.
The evening of November 2nd includes crafts by a variety of local artist, delicious traditional foods, and entertainment. Sugar skulls, pictures and face painting will be sold exclusively by Self Help Graphics, allowing us to continue to offer cultural events and programming to the community.
Musical Groups
Olmeca - Hip Hop
Quetzal - Son Jarocho Pop
Upground - ska
Theatre
ChUSMA
Teatro East of the River
Raquel Salinas
Spoken Word
Pat Alderete - Writer
Maria Elena Fernandez - poet
Consuelo Flores - poet
Aztlan UnEarthed
In Lak Ech
Gabriela Garcia Medina
*Academia Semillas Del Pueblo will be doing a special theatrical performance for children in the Nahuatl language in the Self Help Graphics & Art Ballroom for one hour.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
DONATIONS HOWEVER WILL BE ACCEPTED!!
CALAVERA MASKS AND ATTIRE ENCOURAGED.....
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Dia De Los Muertos, November 2, 2006 Schedule
If you are interested in Volunteering for this event, please contact volunteer@selfhelpgraphics.com. Please take a look at classes & workshops being offered at SHG in anticipation for Dia de los Muertos. |
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