far studio gallery

Dia de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead, originated in Mexico as a festival to celebrate life and remember the dead. This year, a group of artists associated with Stellar Gallery and the Sierra Art Trails, celebrated it with art and style.

They held an exhibit in the remote town of Hornitos, the remnants of a gold rush city in its heyday. They showed in a private home that was once a major saloon. The infamous outlaw (or hero, depending upon who tells the story) Joaquin Murietta was said to hang out there.

The Dia de los Muertos is a colorful ceremony in Mexico. Bread and candies are made in the shape of skulls. Offerings of marigolds and foods are made on graves to attract the souls of the dead to hear the prayers of the living. The celebration in Hornitos culminated in a silent candlelit procession led by a Catholic Priest from the center of the town to the Catholic Graveyard on the hill above the town. St. Catherine of Siena Church opened its doors for a mass and the town hall opened its doors for food and deserts.

Hornitos

The town got its name from the beehive-shaped ovens the German immigrants used to bake bread. The town has the look of a ghost town with its ruins of adobe buildings and rusted farm equipment surrounded by a herd of goats.

The Windmill

Goat Wheel

Sad Memorial

The Artists

The art exhibit captured the festive air of the celebration. Dia de los Muertos is a time for happy remembrances and humor. The artists created their work specifically for this exhibit, and their work was vibrant and exciting.

Penny Otwell

Penny poses with her mask, “Right Brain, Left Brain.”

Ann Mendershausen

Ann was dressed appropriately colorful for the event.

Franka Gabler

Franka had some very interesting photos of the Hornitos area.

Bekah Morse

Bekah is the artist who lives in the building where this exhibit was held. Her own works were mystical and moody.

The Festival

The Church Steeple

A view of the Church from the graveyard wrought iron fence.

Symbols

An altar to departed loved ones.

Procession

The silent walk up to the graveyard and church.

Bauer Gravestone

Zelia’s Grave

Graves illuminated by candlelight.