Located in the Hayward Area Historical Society and the Hayward Public Library, the 2024 Day of the Dead exhibit featured local artists presenting their Dia de los Muertos art. The exhibit includes large and small sculptures, various mediums of art, and special programs every Saturday of October.
These programs include making tissue paper marigolds, foil art, paper monarch butterflies, Day of the Dead themed tin art, pop-up shops, a skeleton friend, and skull masks. These are cute, family-friendly activities that celebrate the event in the Hayward community.
Dia de los Muertos is a 2-day event used for prayer and remembrance of those who have died. Celebrating loved ones that have passed away is important to helping people be open about death and grief. Tours were available throughout the week for people to experience local art while learning about the origins of Dia de los Muertos.
At the HAHS museum, there are local business owners showcasing their work, one of them being Judy Rodriguez. Rodriguez is an artist and a vendor of mini magnets. Her motto is “Miniatures make us happy!”
“I think [the exhibit] is a great opportunity to share about culture and showcase artists by giving them the opportunity to show their works,” said Rodriguez.
Along with the programs and vendors, there are art pieces from Mt. Eden students displayed. Mt. Eden 3D Design teacher Geoff Landreau put his students’ work up at the exhibit, giving them their moment to shine and showcase their ceramic projects. Landreau shared how he has been trying to reach out so more of his students’ artworks are displayed, since the current MEGA gallery is under construction.
“Dr. Walton said that L1, the boiler room, was to be our new temporary MEGA gallery while the current one is under construction,” said Landreau. “[The exhibit is a] great opportunity for Mt. Eden students to collaborate with the HAHS Museum and to celebrate Dia de los Muertos.”
