FOREST HOME CEMETERY 5K RUN/WALK
October 30th, 2021
Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a tradition that originated in Mexico where family members celebrate the live of loved ones that are no longer with us. Ofrendas, or altars, are decorated with cempasuchil, calaveras, offerings, personal items, and photos of the deceased in order to remember and honor those who have departed. This holiday spanning over several days, is meant to celebrate the life of those that are no longer with us.
On October 30th, 2021, Forest Home Cemetery and Arboretum hosted their annual Día de los Muertos 5k Run/Walk. LUNA was commissioned to create three ofrendas, or altars. The first was created by co-founder, Katie Avila, focusing on community participation where visitors can add poems or notes to their loved ones. The second ofrenda was created by LUNA member and local artist Whitney Salgado, that highlights artists from Latin America that are not widely known. And the third ofrenda was created by LUNA friend Sabrina Lombardo, titled "Our Stolen Sisters" and brings awareness to missing and murdered indigenous women from our community.
Flyer designed by Whitney Salgado.
CONTRIBUTORS
The ofrendas
Created by Katie Avila Loughmiller
This ofrenda was created by the community during the 5k Run/Walk. Supplies were laid out for visitors to write down poems, notes, or anything they've liked to say to a loved one that passed. Slowly as the day passed, the canvases were filled by community participation.
Artistas de Latinoamérica
Created by Whitney Salgado
Ask anyone to name a Latinx artist and most will only be able to name Frida Kahlo. While she deserves the spotlight cast on her work, it also casts a shadow on other artists. This ofrenda was a tribute to lesser known artists from our community who also deserve that same recognition and praise. While Salgado wishes she could acknowledge more artists, this is only a small collection. We would also like to thank LUNA Co-Founder Gabriela Riveros for sending research on Latinx artist and providing a starting point.
Our Stolen Sisters
Created by Sabrina Lombardo
"Stolen Sisters" is a term used in the Indigenous community that raises awareness to missing and murdered Indigenous women in our community.
