Day of the Dead, often called Dia De Los Muertos, is celebrated throughout Mexico, and serves as a time for family and friends to remember those who have died.
The event takes place over three days, October 31 to November 2. These days are called All Hallows’ Eve, All Saint’s Day, and All Souls’ Day. In addition to being celebrated across Mexico, this holiday is recognized in Texas.
“The project was to collaborate as a department to create an ofrenda to celebrate Day of the Dead,” teachers Carlye Brookshire said. “The holiday traditionally focuses on gatherings to remember friends and family who have died.”
Brookshire and teachers Mindy Le Jeune, Ryan Logan, and countless students participated in the art project.
To celebrate, and remember the deceased, many art students worked to create an ofrenda. An ofrenda, which is Spanish for “offering,” is a set up to honor a specific person.
The offerings, placed on altars, can be  quite intricate and unique. Oftentimes, they feature Marigold flowers and decorated sugar skulls, also known as Calaveras.
“I like how the holiday is very colorful and festive,” freshman Olivia Roberts said.
Being arguably one of the most important holidays in Mexican culture, it’s accompanied by decorations, festivals, crafts, and much more.
“I was inspired by all the decoration they put of for the holiday with all the bright colors and flowers,” freshman Allison Segura said.
As well as including a majority of the art department, artists collaborated with the World History Department, including teacher Nicholas Stamper. Before now, collaborations between departments were fairly uncommon.
“We all are excited about the possibility of working with other departments.” Brookshire said, “I think cross-curricular study gives students a real time, real world experience. This is an important part of a student’s growth, as this type of enriched curriculum maximizes learning, and increases meaning.”
In addition to bringing a change in project and curriculars, there came a change in setting around the school. To make room for the Dia De Los Muertos paintings and tributes, the large display case in upstairs F-hall was cleared out.