By TR Robertson
Artists and visitors gathered at the Exhibit Gallery, located just outside the Vista Council Chambers, on Monday to participate in a reception for the opening of an exhibition featuring various artistic media in celebration of Dia de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. This celebration, held at the beginning of November each year, is a dedication to the deceased, allowing families to remember and honor their loved ones who have passed away. The purpose of altars in homes and other locations, known as ofrendas (“offerings”), is to welcome the spirits of loved ones back home. Under the direction of Assistant City Manager Imelda Huerta and Sydney Roff, Management Analyst for Recreation & Community Services, artists were sought to participate in submitting art honoring Dia de los Muertos. The art pieces submitted will remain on display until the middle of November in the Exhibit Gallery of the Civic Center.
The reception featured most of the artists who had submitted work, with participants taking part in a reception accompanied by light refreshments next to a small altar in honor of Dia de los Muertos. There was also a table where attendees could share a Memory or Words of love for a deceased family member or friend. The artists attending mingled with the visitors and took part in an introduction, where they were given a few minutes to speak about their involvement in this event and how they became involved in working with their chosen media. The artists attending included Patrick Christman (photographer from Fallbrook), Alicia Osuna (Vista resident and a first-time exhibitor), Krista Timberlake (Vista resident), Lori Escalera (known for her large street painting indoor pieces), and students Noe Perez (celebrating his twelfth birthday) and Mia Jackson from Guajome Park Academy Middle School. Much of the art on display was for sale. For some of the pieces on display, the artist’s name was not listed, only the media type and the artwork’s title.
A reminder: the artwork will be on display until the middle of November on the second floor in the Exhibit Gallery, just outside the Vista City Council Chambers.
