Alfons Gallery Celebrates Mexican “Day of the Dead” Tradition

MILWAUKEE - Oct. 23, 2014 - PRLog -- In keeping with the Mexican holiday tradition celebrating Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) in connection with the Catholic feast days of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, altars will be installed outside the Alfons Gallery from October 26 to November 9.  A special reception with the artists will be held on Saturday, November 1, from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.

Day of the Dead traditionally includes family gatherings to remember and pray for deceased loved ones. The building of private altars is a popular part of these commemorations. Resident artists, along with Dara Larson from RedLine Milwaukee, will explore Day of the Dead traditions from personal perspectives within a large, collaborative altar.

Larson will also be building a community altar in the same space. This interactive piece, a field of flowers and reflections, will encourage visitors to make a paper flower and write the name of a loved one on it.  Flowers will be pre-folded and pens will be available on the table so that people can pick up a flower, fold it, write a name on it, and place in within the field.

The Day of the Dead altars complement Francisco X. Mora’s watercolor exhibit, which is on display through November 30 in Alfons Gallery. Mora’s exhibit explores the range of his work, centering on three series: “Day of the Dead,” “The Merriments of my Hometown and Other Celebrations,” and “Self Portraits.” These pieces explore Mora’s Mexican heritage in his well-known contemporary style, reflective of the folktale images of his multiple illustrated books.

Alfons Gallery is located at St. Joseph Center, 1501 S. Layton Blvd. (27th Street and Greenfield Avenue) in Milwaukee. Free parking is available in the lot that is accessible on 29th and Orchard (Alexia Circle entrance). For more information on Alfons Gallery, please email vchristell@sssf.org, call 414-385-5273, or visit the Gallery’s website at www.sssf.org/gallery. The Gallery is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 12:00-3:00 p.m., and by appointment.

About Alfons Gallery

Alfons Gallery’s mission reflects the local and global work of the School Sisters of St. Francis.  Exhibitions explore cultures and advocate for social justice, peace, and the environment through the artistic vision.  Special events aim to both educate and inspire viewers about our world and the impact every individual makes in it.

Our Cultural Shop’s mission is to expand cultural awareness and support artisans working in our global missions as well as fine craft artists working regionally.

About The School Sisters of St. Francis

The School Sisters of St. Francis are an international community of Catholic sisters who unite with others to build a just and peaceful world. Founded in 1874, they now have sisters, associates, staff, donors and volunteers actively working to address the needs of those who are poor and marginalized by society. Their mission is thriving throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America and India. For more information about the School Sisters of St. Francis, please visit www.sssf.org