Image courtesy of Detroit Institute of Art
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is set to honor the rich traditions of Día de Muertos with its 12th annual community exhibition, “Ofrendas: Celebrating el Dia de Muertos,” featuring 11 original ofrenda altars crafted by talented artists from across Michigan. This year’s exhibition not only pays tribute to departed loved ones but also sparks conversations around significant cultural and societal themes, inviting visitors to explore the diverse expressions of remembrance and celebration within the community.
Julie McFarland, Executive Director of Public Affairs and Engagement at the DIA, emphasized she is thrilled to present the 12th annual Ofrendas exhibition in collaboration with our 2024 community partners, the Mexican Consulate of Detroit, the Southwest Detroit Business Association and the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation.
“We eagerly anticipate welcoming visitors to the museum to experience these powerful ofrendas, crafted by local artists,” McFarland said.
“We hope that while exploring the exhibition, visitors will also be inspired to delve into more of the museum’s extensive collection and take advantage of our diverse offerings.”
The featured artists and their ofrendas include:
Ofrenda de Cartonería by The Ballet Folklórico México Lindo from Novi, MI
Family Reunion by Elisa Madrigal, Elia Gonzalez, and Roel Gonzalez from Dearborn Heights, MI
Downey’s Double Play by Juliana Schewe-Jackson, Peter Doroh, and Erika Lezniak from the National Art Honor Society and Spanish Department at L’Anse Creuse High School in Clinton Township, MI
Black & White & Color by Cameron Delano from Southfield, MI
Maria Izquierdo by the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit
Stages of Grief by Araceli Jaimes Warners from Grand Rapids, MI
Unfulfilled Journey by La Casa Amiga – Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan “I Have Two Loves, the Sick and the Poor!” by Cynthia and Bruce Burlager and Volunteers from Troy, MI
Not Forever on Earth: Just a Little Here by Dayana Ojeda from Oak Park, MI
The Crossroads by Nalicia Patterson from Saginaw, MI
The ofrendas presented this year cover a diverse array of themes. Some of them serve as a tribute to the personal losses that the artists have endured, while others shed light on collective grief by highlighting current events and experiences.
The museum will provide a digital exhibition experience using Google Maps. This virtual tour will enable people who cannot visit the museum in person to “walk through” the exhibition and examine each altar and its interpretive labels from the convenience of their homes. In addition to the virtual tour, the DIA’s education department will offer online resources for educators, allowing them to seamlessly integrate the ofrendas into a wide range of lessons and teaching plans.
The exhibition will be on view at the DIA from September 28 through November 3, 2024.
Museum Hours and Admission
Tuesday‒Thursday: 9 a.m.‒ 4 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.‒9 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m.‒5 p.m.
General admission is always free for Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County residents.
For more information on the exhibit, visit dia.org
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