The 10th annual Day of the Dead exhibit will debut at CityArts Friday, and it is expected to be the largest show yet with more than a dozen altars and tributes set up by area citizens. Day of the Dead pieces will officially be showcased during Final Friday activities from 6 to 10 p.m. at the museum, located at 334 N. Mead. During this time, visitors may also purchase jewelry, trinkets and other art-inspired pieces that will be for sale at tables in the gallery.

The Day of the Dead exhibit will be available for public viewing through Monday. CityArts is normally closed on Sundays, but for this limited-run show, it will be open from noon to 4 p.m. Any individual who contacts CityArts in advance of the celebration is allowed to set up an altar or tribute inside the gallery for Dead of the Dead.

“Day of the Dead is a significant cultural event that has been embraced by our local Hispanic population and the community as a whole,” said David Murano, CityArts director. “Visitors will be amazed by the traditional Mexican altars – which include fresh flowers, fruit for nourishment and ceramic-like sugar skulls – as well as by the ones that have an edgy, contemporary-art feel.”

Day of the Dead or “El Dia de los Muertos” is celebrated annually by Latin Americans in conjunction with All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2). As part of the Day of the Day observance, people construct altars to honor loved ones who have passed away. Often, artists also honor individuals, such as deceased celebrities, whom they are inspired by and greatly respect. The CityArts show will include tributes to music greats Frank Sinatra, Elvis and Janis Joplin.

For more information about this event or CityArts, please visit www.wichita.gov and click on the “Arts and Culture” link.

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