The World Languages Department and the Visual Arts Department recently collaborated and examined the cultural tradition of Dia de los Muertos, celebrated worldwide on November 1-2.
This year, Drawing and Painting II and III classes created Calaveras (decorative skulls) and ceramic objets d'art (French for ornamental works of art), including 2D and 3D Calaveras and sombreros. As part of their hands-on exploration, students built an ofrenda in Founders Union, filling it with traditional elements like papel picado, crepe, and tissue paper flowers, including hand-crafted marigolds. Two large glass display cases flanked the altar, each showcasing painted ceramic Calaveras that memorialized the lives of loved ones, from grandparents and relatives to beloved pets. The display also featured a Monarch butterfly, symbolizing the migration of spirits to their families during this time of year. When asked about the impact of this project, Chloe B. '27 reflected, "My Calavera, made in remembrance of my dog, celebrates the lively holiday with vibrant colors and designs. I believe projects like these are important because they highlight cultural traditions, teach me about the unique customs of other people, and deepen my understanding of the world around me."
On November 5, the World Languages Department sponsored a festive sharing of celebratory pastries, broadening the cultural connections that breaking bread offers. Penelope S. '27 shared, "The project was meaningful because it allowed us to practice something several of us had never been a part of. Learning something new, like the celebration itself and how to remember someone's passing in a way I had never explored, was very interesting."
This collaborative project not only deepened students' cultural understanding of Dia de los Muertos but also exemplified the power of interdisciplinary learning. By blending artmaking with cultural exploration, students engaged with the material hands-on, enhancing their overall learning experience.
