Arte Américas integrates literature with Day of the Dead altars

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Arte Américas in downtown Fresno continues its annual tradition of celebrating the Day of the Dead with unique altars known as ofrendas.

This year, the cultural space dedicated its exhibition “Libreria ‘Donceles” to the theme of honoring deceased authors.

“We try to approach this tradition in a different way each year to ensure we always offer a new perspective and always respect the tradition. This year I was definitely introduced to several authors and local organizations,” said Arianna Paz Chávez.

Bunches of fresh marigolds and nine unique altars called ofrendas were set up.

One of the offerings was put together by Fresno State President Saul Jimenez Sandoval, staff and students.

In preparation, the adobe stones used were made from scratch a few weeks ago with the help of professional adobe maker Sandro Canovas.

“It also has the added element of pan bollillo, so the room smells like pan when you walk in. “So there are all these references that emerge for those who are familiar with Juan Rulfo’s best-known work,” Chávez said.

Another ofrenda highlights the Puerto Rican author Pura Belpre.

It was arranged by Fresno State professor Gladys Villanueva and her cohort of 12 students pursuing their teaching careers in dual emersion.

“We use the text in this case to bring forth these illustrations that represent those moments in Pura’s life where she spread these stories and she became the first Puerto Rican woman to be employed at the New York Public Library and she “Really radicalized the system,” Gladys Villanueva said.

Artist Corina Correa and two others planned and designed this ofrenda in honor of Gloria Anzaldua.

“She is a theorist, and her theories about boundaries and dealing with these multiple identities that women and Chicanas have to deal with – one of her well-known books shows that we are not alone in this,” said Corina Correa.

Correa looks forward to others being able to participate in each event and perhaps learn something new.

You have until November 17th to come and check out the offers.

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