|
For Immediate Release – Pico House Gallery, Martha Vasquez (213) 687-7937 |
© 2006 Ginette Rondeau
|
|
|
Calendar and Art Editors Please Note:
Ginette Rondeau, curator of the Annual Día De Los Muertos Juried Exhibition, Presents “Viva El Amor Eterno”
WHERE: Pico House Gallery (South end of Olvera Street, adjacent to the Placita)
WHEN: Artists’ Reception and Gallery Blessing
WHAT: Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is an annual event, held every November 1 -2 commemorating the deceased. The exhibition will be filled with heartfelt works from all types of mediums: paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs and installations. The gallery will highlight both traditional and contemporary works. Bring the entire family to journey this wonderful tradition of honoring the beloved. The public is invited to participate. This event is free. This year the “Altar of the Iraq War” will be featured, paying tribute to the faces of more than 2,800 dead soldiers. “So many families have lost their beloved ones,” said curator Ginette Rondeau. “The perished are not just numbers. They may be a child, a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a cousin, a neighbor, a classmate and a best friend. Their lives ended far too soon, cutting short their hopes, dreams, careers and marriages. Our altar pays honors all the casualties of war; may the spirit of their lives live with us eternally.” The 2006 Altar of the Iraq War is an unfortunate update of the original altar that was built in 2004 to honor the 1250 coalition members that were killed. In addition to Rondeau, artists contributing to the altar’s artistic design and installation include: Juliane Backmann, Al Herion, Gabriela Quintero, Bonjunnie Comostiles and John Trausch. The public may leave letters and messages for loved ones at the exhibition at the Mailbox to Heaven during the event. “We hope this exhibition will have a healing effect” said Rondeau. For more information: WHY: The purpose of the exhibition is to create a bridge of understanding, where people can speak freely of their beloved ones and embrace the tradition in their own life. “I have had the opportunity to talk to thousands of visitors throughout the years who come to learn more about this wonderful tradition. As Americans, we are often uncomfortable to talk about death. We are lost to what to say to those who have lost their love ones. Children are often confused; it becomes very finite and parents are often at a lost to speak about death. I just want to create an environment, where children can lean more about their ancestors and still know that they can continue to keep their spirits bright.” says Ginette Rondeau, curator. As a child, I was blessed to have my loving family, friends and culture surround and support me. I grew up in a wonderful, magical place, at the Sepulveda House on Olvera Street. I was taught to share our culture and traditions proudly. Today’s world seems to feature violence, abuse, drugs, gangs, neglected children and homelessness. Now with the chaos and frenzy of world terrorism, I feel a special need to reach out to be part of the healing in our world.” HISTORY: Dia De Los Muertos is one of Mexico’s traditional holidays reunited and honoring beloved ancestors, family and friends. The historical roots of this celebration date back to the pre-Hispanic cultures of Meso-America of the indigenous people, especially the Nahua (Aztecs, Mayans, Toltecas, Tlaxcaltec, Chichimec, Tecpanec) and others native to Mexico more than 3,000 years. Life was seen as a dream, and it was believed that only in dying could a human being was truly awake. The soul was then set free! It is believed that the children souls return to visit their loved ones November 1st and the adults return November 2nd. Altars are dedicated to the beloved filled with photos of the deceased, flowers, candles, gifts and their favorite foods. It is a time when families gather and tell stories of their beloved ones. Their memories will live on. We encourage everyone, of all cultural backgrounds, to honor those you have loved and who have touched your life. You too can partake of this wonderful and loving tradition. It will become a time to rejoice and share memories with your family and friends. For More Information: Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is an annual event, held every November 1 -2 commemorating the deceased. For more information about the history of Día De Los Muertos, and the Event Schedule for the festivities, please visit www.Olvera-Street.com . This event is free to the public. Sponsored by: Rondeau Fine Arts, Olvera-Street.com, ibiz360.com, DebraAnneDavis.com,
|
||
