On October 30, District 45 families joined the Frida Community Organization (FCO) for its Day of the Dead Art Exhibit at Schafer Elementary School. In preparation for the exhibit, district families participated in a five-part art workshop where they created their own Catrina to display at the exhibit.
To inspire their creations, families shared a unique backstory for their Catrina. Often, families named their Catrina in commemoration of a deceased loved one and in celebration of new family beginnings. The backstories were displayed with each Catrina, offering a glimpse behind the thought that went into each family’s creation.
Gentle Spanish guitar ballads played in the background at the exhibit as families observed the Catrinas and visited an altar or “ofrenda” created by FCO artists. The altar featured vibrant marigold garland, colorful luminary paper lanterns, and “pan de muerto,” or “bread of the dead.” Friends from the DuPage Hispanic Alliance were on hand, offering information to families on the tradition of altars in Day of the Dead celebrations.
Families snacked on popcorn at the exhibit, and children were invited to color sugar skull masks that FCO staff helped them create.
What a wonderful experience! Thank you to all our families and staff who helped create a special event for guests.