Day of the Dead altars in the Museum’s courtyard Photo by Hope Frazier.
VENTURA — An exhibit of artistically inspired Day of the Dead altars assembled by local artists will be on display in the courtyard at the Museum of Ventura County beginning Saturday, Oct. 12.
Artists participating this year include M.B. Hanrahan, Ricardo Rodriguez, Kay Zetlmaier, Ryan Carr, Sara Thomas, Vivian Luna and James Norwood. The altars can be viewed Tuesday through Sunday at the museum from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The origins of Day of the Dead can be traced back at least 3,000 years among Mexico’s pre-Hispanic indigenous cultures. Contemporary festivals reflect a blend of native traditions and Catholic beliefs. These include building private altars; honoring the dead using sugar skulls, marigolds and the favorite foods and beverages of the deceased, and visiting graves with these items as gifts.
The museum is at 100 E. Main St., downtown Ventura. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission to the exhibits is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children 6-17; members and children under 6 are free.
Call 805-653-0323 or visit http:// www.venturamuseum.org for more information.