Media Contact:
Sarah Story
504‐539‐9609
pr@ogdenmuseum.org

 

NEW ORLEANS - September 24, 2014

The tradition of Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated in Mexico, the southwestern United States and parts of Latin America. During this celebration, families come together to pay respect to relatives who have died and to celebrate their life and rebirth in another world. Anthropologists and historians say that the holiday is a blend of the Catholic All Saints' and All Souls' Days and pre-Columbian traditions that honored ancestors in a celebration of the dead. It is generally celebrated with the creation of altars to the dead, featuring food, paper decorations and representations of skeletons.

This fall, the Ogden Museum is pleased to once again honor this tradition with a series of events focused around the exhibition of a Day of the Dead Altar designed by local artist, Cynthia Ramirez anddedicated to beloved artist George Dureau. A long-time fixture in the New Orleans arts community, Dureau passed away this past April at the age of 84.

"George Dureau, in both spirit and studio practice, was one of the great artists of New Orleans. To the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, he was both friend and champion, as well a significant figure in our collection and exhibition history. It is befitting that Cynthia Ramirez has chosen to dedicate the altar to him this year," said Chief Curator Bradley Sumrall.

The following programming is presented in collaboration with Tulane University's Stone Center for Latin American Studies and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. All events take place at the Ogden Museum and are open to the public.

 Traditional Day of the Dead Altar by artist Cynthia Ramirez dedicated to George Dureau
Wednesday, September 24 - Monday, November 10, 2014

Teacher Workshop presented by Ogden Museum Education Department and Tulane University's Stone Center for Latin American Studies
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
5:00-7:00 pm
During this workshop, teachers will receive information on how to incorporate the tradition into their classroom, including a history of the celebration, lesson plans and art projects. Artist Cynthia Ramirez will also speak about the traditional elements of altar building. For more information or to register, visit stonecenter.tulane.edu.

Family Workshop
Saturday, October 11, 2014
10:00 am - Noon
Explore the history and cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos through hands-on art activities, including papel picado, decorating calaveras (sugar skulls), and making family ofrendas (altars). Participants may bring family photos or objects to incorporate into the altars in keeping with the Día de los Muertos tradition of honoring those who have passed away. Pre-registration required. Adults: $20 member; $25 non-member
Child: $10 member; $15 non-member
For more information or to register, visit ogdenmuseum.org.

Ogden After Hours Day of the Dead Celebration
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Rumba Buena performs for this evening of celebration with food and family-friendly fun.
More information on this series of events can be found by visiting www.ogdenmuseum.org.

 

Located in the vibrant Warehouse Arts District of downtown New Orleans, Louisiana, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art holds the largest collection of Southern art and is recognized for its original exhibitions, public events, and educational programs which examine the development of visual art alongside Southern traditions of music, literature, and culinary heritage to provide a comprehensive story of the South. Established in 1999 and in Stephen Goldring Hall since 2003, the Museum welcomes over 50,000 visitors annually, and attracts diverse audiences through its broad range of programming including exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, and concerts which are all part of its mission to broaden the knowledge, understanding, interpretation, and appreciation of the visual arts and culture of the American South.

The Ogden Museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 10AM-5PM and also on Thursdays from 6-8PM for Ogden After Hours. Admission is free to Museum Members and $10 for adults, $8 to seniors 65 and older, $5 for children ages 5-17 and free for children under 5. The Ogden Museum is free to Louisiana Residents on Thursdays from 10AM-5PM courtesy of The Helis Foundation.

The Museum is closed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day following, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

The Museum is located at 925 Camp Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. For more information visit ogdenmuseum.org or call 504-539-9650.

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