A Brief History of Bloomington's Dia de los Muertos Community Altar:
2011 marked the 6th Annual Community Altar installation by Jaime Sweany and Michael Redman. Wandering Turtle Art Gallery/Sweany Artworks wishes to sincerely thank Carol Hedin of Sublime Designs for hosting the 2011 altar and for continuing this meaningful and festive Bloomington tradition.
Every year, community members are invited to add gifts to the altar in honor of their deceased loved ones over the course of the exhibit. During this Mexican holiday, it is customary to leave those who have preceded us in death small offerings of items they would have enjoyed during their lifetime; thus nurturing the memory of their lives and letting them know they have not been forgotten and remain a part of our lives today. Each year we build the Community Altar on the foundation of the previous years' offerings.
Candles on the altar are lit during the closing reception
to celebrate the festive occasion. During the 2011 closing reception, Tomas Lozano graced us with his beautiful music (many thanks Tomas!).
If you know of an appropriate gallery or venue that may like to host the 7th Annual, (2012) Community Altar, please contact Jaime at art@wanderingturtle.com
We respectfully request that participants do not leave anything liquid, perishable or illegal! Also, offerings cannot be retrieved, so items should not be of great sentimental or monetary value. Each year’s offerings will be used to create the foundation of the following year’s altar. This way, we will build a Community Altar that reflects years of sentiment and many contributors. Sweany Artworks/Wandering Turtle & Sublime Design assume no responsibility for anything left upon the altar and reserves the right to remove any items we deem inappropriate.
