DIA DE LOS MUERTOS +
THE ART + TRADITION OF SUGAR SKULL PAINTING
Sacred Practices + Remembering Our Beloved Dead
Check the Event Calendar for updates on Dia De Los Muertos events and celebrations.
Proceeds from this event help to fund the significant expenses of the annual, Dia de los Muertos Community Ofrenda.
Calaveras
Honor the cycles of life and death through the traditional Mexican art of calavera decoration. Learn about Dia de los Muertos and the significance of this iconic and intricately beautiful art form. Paint a personal "sugar skull" of durable papier-mâché to represent and honor your dead, share stories of who you are remembering with this offering, join in community, and enjoy an intimate setting among wonderful individuals.
Each unpainted, papier-mâché calavera is hand made by a wonderful artist I had the pleasure of finding when searching for calavera blanks for my own altar practice. Their quality and my experience working with them inspired me to offer this workshop. And so, a year ago, the artist and I made arrangements for him to create these bases for you. In fact, he made a special batch just for us. I hope that you find these calaveras as beautiful and joyful and meaningful to work with as I do, and that your creative process brings you closer to those who have departed and to the many generations of people who choose to not only mourn but also celebrate the interconnectedness of death and life.
I am honored to share this powerful practice with you.
THE EXPERIENCE
An intimate group setting
A lovingly tended garden workshop environment.
Intention setting, altar creation, naming of our beloved dead, and story sharing.
Opportunity for receiving Grief Medicine tincture or flower remedy, for those in need.
Information about Dia de los Muertos, its symbols, and traditions.
Discussion of the significance of “sugar skulls” and calaveras, past and present.
Painting demonstration and support.
Reference calaveras from Natalia’s personal altar-practice.
Time for questions and discussion of your individual experience.
All the materials necessary to create your own painted calavera in honor of a beloved ancestor or dearly departed.
A community of wonderful individuals and a deepened sense of interconnectedness.
MATERIALS PROVIDED
Pre-primed (white), artisan made, papier-mâché skull - 1 Small.
Small traditionally represents children.
Large (available for $15) traditionally represents adults.Artist quality acrylic paints
Paint palettes
Brushes
Misc. (2 hair dryers available, clean up materials, pens, etc.)
Optional protective art sealant.
If sealant is desired, sealed calaveras will be available for pick up Oct. 31st. 4pm-9pm, or by special arrangement.Participants may bring additional materials to personalize their calavera. No glitter, please.
$50 suggested donation
Limited to 6 people (15 and older)
Minimum of 4 workshop participants needed to proceed.
Proceeds from this event help to fund the approximately $350/year annual expenses of the Dia de los Muertos Community Ofrenda. Thank you for helping us continue to offer the ofrenda to all.
LEARN + VISIT
Learn about and visit the annual Dia De Los Muertos Community Altar.
GUIDE +
Remembering Our Beloved Dead: building a personal altar and remembering practice
RESOURCE LIST +
Dia De Los Muertos resources and book list: a collection of book suggestions curated by sister-altar-builder Natasha Bodorff, Boulder, CO
SEND A NAME +
Our Community is not defined by geography. If you wish to be a part of this practice but cannot do so in person you may send names of your beloved dead and they will be included in our altar.
CRAFT
Join in helping create the beauty of the altar space by making traditional paper marigolds to grace the community altar + learn about Dia De Los Muertos.
DISASSEMBLY + CEREMONY
Join in reverent disassembly of the altar and closing of the altar space. Tend the ceremonial fire, sending prayers and the names of our beloved dead upon the sacred smoke.