Focus broadened with Fernando Lozano and Community Art & Altar exhibits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023

INDIANAPOLIS – The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art will host a variety of activities and events in coming weeks in connection with the Day of the Dead, including the popular annual Día de Muertos Community Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 21 in partnership with Arte Mexicano en Indiana and Nopal Cultural. In addition, the Eiteljorg will host an art installation, Fernando Lozano: We Remember / Nosotros Recordamos, open Oct. 14-Nov. 19, and a free Community Art and Altar exhibit from Oct. 10-Nov. 2.

The free community celebration and related exhibitions invite guests to learn the history behind Día de Muertos. Guests will enjoy performances, meet artists, watch demonstrations, explore artwork, support local artists and participate in art-making activities. The single-day event in past years has brought thousands of visitors to the Eiteljorg.

Día de Muertos dance performance

“With roots going back thousands of years to Indigenous traditions in Mexico, Día de Muertos is a time when people gather together to remember and celebrate friends and relatives who have passed on. Also called Day of the Dead, the holiday has evolved into a diverse festival, celebrated not only in Mexico but in the U.S. and many other countries. Our free annual event at the Eiteljorg Museum, in partnership with Arte Mexicano en Indiana and Nopal Cultural, appeals to many audiences and all ages, and we look forward to welcoming our community to the museum,” Eiteljorg President and CEO Kathryn Haigh said.

New this year: Lozano art installation

 
We Remember / Nosotros Recordamos

On Oct. 14, the Eiteljorg welcomes a new Día de Muertos-inspired installation by artist Fernando Lozano. Using painting, prose and graphics, Lozano’s work draws from the injustices, conflicts, tragedies and profound events the artist has experienced. The exhibit, We Remember / Nosotros Recordamos, honors those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 across the country. Altars in the installation reflect the numbers of people who died from effects of the virus in each U.S. state and territory. Included with regular museum admission, Lozano’s installation will be on view in the museum’s Paul Gallery through Nov. 19.

Fernando Lozano

Opportunities to meet and hear from Lozano are scheduled in October, including a public gallery talk, members-only events and an art workshop for children in the museum’s kids’ membership program. For a full schedule of events, visit Eiteljorg.org/events.

Annual free celebration draws thousands

Día de Muertos performers

The month-long observance is highlighted by the return of the Eiteljorg’s Día de Muertos Community Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 21. That day the Eiteljorg will offer extended hours, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and free admission to the entire museum. Guests can explore the holiday’s history with emcee Patricia Castañeda, shop from local vendors at the mercado (marketplace), meet artists, create art, and see performances by local and regional acts set outdoors amidst a beautiful altar backdrop created by members of Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos. Events are co-curated with Eduardo Luna of Arte Mexicano en Indiana and Nopal Cultural.

Catrina parade at Eiteljorg

Among the day’s biggest attractions are Catrinas del Midwest, who model elaborate outfits and wear face paint inspired by Jose Posada’s iconic print La Calavera Catrina. The Catrinas parade through the grounds twice on Oct. 21 and pose for photos with guests. The free Día de Muertos celebration spans the Eiteljorg grounds, with activities taking place outside under The Sails and inside the museum throughout the day. Check the Eiteljorg’s website for a detailed schedule of events: Eiteljorg.org/DiadeMuertos.

Be inspired by community altars

Community Art and Ofrenda Exhibit

Eiteljorg guests also can experience the annual Community Art and Altar Exhibit, curated by community organizations and Arte Mexicano en Indiana. Each ofrenda, or altar, is designed by a local artist or group and honors deceased loved ones, celebrities, community members and others who have left their mark on the world. Highlights include ofrendas created by the Consulado de México en Indianápolis, Mujeres Conectadas en Indy and Metzli Cultural. Opening Oct. 10 and continuing during and after the Día de Muertos Community Celebration, the altar exhibit runs through Nov. 2 inside the museum’s Ruth Lilly Theater, and is free to view.

Ofrenda exhibit with Nopal Cultural

Community partners
The free Día de Muertos Community Celebration, Oct. 21, is presented jointly with Arte Mexicano en Indiana and sponsored by Citizens Energy Group, OneAmerica, The Indianapolis Foundation (a CICF fund), Regions Bank, Nopal Cultural, Consulado de México en Indianápolis, the Indy Arts Council and Indiana Arts Commission.

The Community Art and Altar Exhibit, Oct. 10-Nov. 2, is sponsored by Arte Mexicano en Indiana, Citizens Energy Group, OneAmerica and The Indianapolis Foundation (CICF fund).

The installation Fernando Lozano: We Remember / Nosotros Recordamos, Oct. 14-Nov. 19, is sponsored by Regions Bank and Arte Mexicano en Indiana.

Día de Muertos

About the Eiteljorg
A cultural pillar for 34 years in downtown Indianapolis’ scenic White River State Park, the Eiteljorg Museum seeks to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the arts, histories and cultures of the Native peoples of North America and the diverse peoples of the American West by telling amazing stories. Located on the Central Canal at 500 West Washington St., the Eiteljorg is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Día de Muertos

Media Contacts
Bryan Corbin
Public Relations Manager
317.275.1315
bcorbin@eiteljorg.com

Bert Beiswanger
Director of Marketing and Communications
317.275.1317
bbeiswanger@eiteljorg.com

Brooke Sullivan
Digital Marketing Manager
317.275.1388
bsullivan@eiteljorg.com

Tim Eterno
Marketing and Communications Intern
317.275.1367
teterno@eiteljorg.com