“Is Cesar Chavez a famous soccer player?” inquired a young Gault Middle School art student as he began to interpret the “ofrenda” (tribute alter) at the fourth annual Dia de los Muertos feature exhibit at the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM). The Day of the Dead is a powerful, symbolic celebration honoring loved ones who have passed away. Ancient and New World traditions and folk customs are combined in the celebration.
“No, but look closer at the clues,” urged the TAM docent. “What do you see?” As students bantered back and forth about their observations, his question was soon answered. Terese Cuff, Gault’s art teacher who has coordinated the TAM trip for several years, was pleased by the level of engagement she observed in the students.
The ofrendas stimulated great discussion and were an exercise in observation and critical thinking. Gault students were drawn to the stories told in the ofrendas. Some of the ofrendas were personal and dedicated to a loved one, while others were political like the ofrenda honoring the struggle of farm laborers. Students were especially moved by the ofrendas devoted to Pierce County AIDS victims, Lantino/a soldiers who served and gave their lives, as well as those who died in route to what they hoped would be a better life for their families.
Gault Gazelles then toured the “tepete” (large scale sand art) and were awed by its creation and process. Soon after, the students tried their hand at tepete-making while learning the history of Dia de los Muertos.
The artistry of Gault students, as well as community artists, will be displayed at the free Día de los Muertos Community Festival on Sunday, Nov. 2, from noon–6 p.m. Join the celebration which will include authentic Mexican food, sugar skulls decorating, papel picado workshop, live dance and music. Museum admission is free from noon to 6 p.m.