The National Steinbeck Center Announces Upcoming Exhibitions From August 2011 - February 2012

Aug. 2, 2011 - PRLog -- Press Contact: Marci Bracco (831) 747-7455

The National Steinbeck Center Announces Upcoming Exhibitions
From August 2011 – February 2012

SALINAS, CA  (July 25, 2011)  The National Steinbeck Center, located at One Main Street in Salinas, Executive Director Colleen Bailey announced today three upcoming exhibitions at the National Steinbeck Center.

Save the Date!
The Graphic Novel: Of Mice and Men by Pierre Alain Bertola Exhibition
Opens August 4 through November 27, 2011
Free Opening Reception on Friday, August 5 from 5pm-8pm as part of First Friday
Gabilan Gallery

This exhibition will display over 40 original black and white illustrations by Swiss artist Pierre Alain Bertola (1956). Bertola was given permission in 2009 by McIntosh & Otis, Inc to create a hard cover, 119 page black and white graphic novel (comic strips), complete with speech balloons all written in his native French language, based on John Steinbeck’s 1937 book, Of Mice and Men. Bertola will be amongst the Steinbeck Festival’s book-signing authors and programs where he will share his story about his life as an architect, set designer, his many museum exhibitions, and just being a Steinbeck enthusiast who can proudly claim he illustrated the first published comic strip novel, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.

National Steinbeck Center Annual Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) & Veneration of the Dead Exhibition
October 27 through November 30, 2011
Reception: November 4, First Friday Art Walk, 6 – 8 pm

Come join us in the exhibition to view a wonderful visual media montage created by CSUMB archeology graduates on how other cultures around the world have similar traditions of a day set for honoring deceased family members.  The exhibition includes small and large paper skeletons and lots of colorful papel picado (cut paper designs), including spreads of marigolds and tranquil candles to guide the spirits to join us for an ennobling evening.

La Ofrenda: You are also invited to participate in our annual Dia de Los Muertos community altar installation. Bring candles, photos, or something that reminds you of a person or beloved pet that has passed away. At 5 pm on November 4, you may start by joining the Day of the Dead procession led by Aztec dancers from  Hartnell College art gallery to the National Steinbeck Center for an evening of art, face painting, hot chocolate, pan dulce (sweet bread) and cultural performances.

Origins: Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is particularly celebrated in Mexico , where it attains the quality of a national holiday. The celebration takes place on November 1 and 2, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holidays include building private altars honoring the deceased with sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and then visiting graves with these gifts. Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to Aztec indigenous observance dating back around 2,500-3000 years ago. In Brazil , Dia de Finados is a public holiday that many Brazilians celebrate by visiting cemeteries and churches. In Spain , there are festivals and parades for the departed. Similar observances occur elsewhere in Europe , and similarly themed celebrations appear in Asian and African cultures.

The Annual Mission Photography Exhibition: San Antonio de Padua Mission Presented by the Al Weber Photography Group December 2 - February 12, 2012

Background on the National Steinbeck Center :
The National Steinbeck Center is located in Salinas , California , the birthplace of John Steinbeck. The National Steinbeck Center is a museum and cultural institution with a mission to engage people in the exploration of culture, issues and the arts relevant to our times. The Center offers three visitor experiences:  the John Steinbeck Exhibition Hall, which houses seven themed theaters with film clips and interactive exhibits from the Nobel prize-winning author’s works; the Rabobank Agriculture Museum, which explores the stories of the Salinas Valley “from field to fork”; and changing art and cultural exhibits and a variety education and public programs.
For more information about the National Steinbeck Center or past festivals, please visit the National Steinbeck Center ’s website at www.steinbeck.org.
National Steinbeck Center
One Main Street
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 775-4721
www.steinbeck.org