Riverside CA – Honoring the 10th anniversary of Riverside’s citywide festival organized by Cosmé Cordova and Ballet Folklorico of Riverside, RAM is proud to display contemporary artwork inspired by the rich traditions of the ancient Mexican holiday that celebrates and honors the deceased.
“Transcending Traditions: Día de Los Muertos | Day of the Dead is an exhibition featuring artists who understand and value the tradition of the Mexican culture, and hopefully inspire others to create their own reflections,” says Division 9 gallery owner and guest curator of this exhibit Cosmé Cordova.
The sacred holiday holds Aztec origins from hundreds of years ago and is now celebrated around the world with: altars to deceased family and loved ones, handmade crafts, food, dancing, and music. The exhibition at RAM features a variety of contemporary artists whose work interprets the rites and history of the holiday, and includes artists based out of Southern California, Arizona, and Mexico. The work is expressed through diverse mediums, including printmaking, ceramics, textiles, drawing, painting, and altar assemblages. Participating artists include: Marco Albarran, Cosmé Cordova, Jesus Cruz Jr., Agustin Equihua Ortiz, Ruben Galicia, Zarco Guerrero, Kiandra Jimenez, Manny LeGaspe, Oscar Magallanes, Adam Maron, Teodor Martin Dumitrescu, Antonio Pelayo, Carlos Puma, Rachel Murillo, Dirk Shultz, and Maggie Tello Case.
By building off the energy of the citywide Día de Los Muertos festival that attracts thousands to downtown Riverside every fall, RAM continues to successfully work toward its strategic-plan goals of deepening relationships with local artists and presenting high-quality artwork and cultural experiences within a stimulating, participatory, and education-based context.
Guest curator Cosmé Cordova is the director and curator at Division 9 gallery in Riverside, California. He works as an independent artist and curator and co-founded Riverside’s Día de Los Muertos festival in 2003. He has curated exhibitions at RAM and has exhibited work at RAM, UCR Sweeney Gallery, and the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, among others. He has founded and organized many annual festivals and events in Riverside, including the Mariachi Festival, “Artnival”, and the monthly Riverside Arts Walk, which he co-founded with Mark Schooley of the Riverside Community Art Association.
“RAM is honored to celebrate with Cosmé and the artists in the exhibition ten years of sharing the art and culture of this rich tradition that each year adds so much to our community,” says RAM Executive Director Drew Oberjuerge.
RAM will celebrate the opening reception of Transcending Traditions: Día de Los Muertos | Day of the Dead and SIDESHOW: Baby Tattoo 2013, with a free Fall Exhibition Celebration on Friday, October 4, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Festivities will include free art activities, a musical performance by renowned blues duo “Bob & Lisa,” a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico, and a meet-and-greet with artists and curators.
RAM is also offering a one-day Saturday class called “Día de Los Muertos” on November 2, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. for children ages 6-12, as well as a five-week afterschool class called “Spanish/English Artistic Fun” for kids ages 6-10. Sign up today for these and other outstanding youth art classes. For more information on the exhibit, Fall Exhibition Celebration, and classes, please visit www.riversideartmuseum.org.
RAM relies on the generosity of members and donors to support its exhibitions, education programs, and special events. A 50-plus-year-old, private, non-profit cultural arts institution housed in a National Historic 1929 building designed by Hearst Castle architect Julia Morgan, the museum welcomes over 50,000 visitors a year. The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. For information on exhibits, events, classes, memberships, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.RiversideArtMuseum.org. Find us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/riversideartmuseum) and Twitter (RAMRiverside).
This exhibit is sponsored by: Division 9 Gallery, Zacatecas Café, and Tio’s Tacos.