Polka Dot Clay Studio: Dia de Los Muertos

Large scale paintings...

Each year, the Pajaro Valley Arts Council hosts a community exhibit in their gallery at the beginning of November. Individuals or groups can enter to create an ofrenda or altar to celebrate the life of a loved one who has passed away. One year, before I started participating in Open Studios, I entered my third grade class. We made ceramic plates and bowls filled with ceramic foods. The students selected meals that reminded them of relatives, and of recipes that had been passed down through the family over time. It was a huge amount of work. I remember clear glazing plates of food for an entire weekend, because the third graders really had difficulty with finish glazing. Our ofrenda also featured large scale papier mache local fruits and vegetables.

This year, there were many wonderful altars in the exhibit. I particularly enjoyed looking at the small family photos. They were so personal, touching, and meaningful.