A Community Altar in the Heart of Downtown Pasadena

Wings of the Dead by Sonia Romero (Photo – soniaromero.net).

Old Pasadena has partnered with Los Angeles artist Sonia Romero to create the 2017 Community Altar for the third annual Day of the Dead Celebration, a three-day event taking place throughout historic Old Pasadena.

A centerpiece of the event’s Tour of Altars, the Community Altar is inspired by Romero’s work “Wings of the Dead” and will honor the natural cycle of life and the migration of monarch butterflies, said to be the souls of the dead returning home in Michoacån, Mexico each November. Monarch butterflies, whose populations have been devastated in recent years, serve to remind us that we live in complete ecosystems and that the metaphorical and actual walls we build disrupt the natural flow of life.

The “Wings of the Dead” Community Altar will debut Friday, October 27 at 6:00 pm inside Indiana Colony Market. Romero will be on hand that evening for an artist reception, during which guests can purchase “Wings of the Dead” prints and honor their own loved ones by leaving hand-written messages on the altar. “Wings of the Dead” will be on display throughout the Day of the Dead Weekend celebration, Friday October 27 through Sunday October 29.

Artist Reception
10/27/2017
6:00 pm

Location
Indiana Colony Market

Old Pasadena Day of the Dead 2017 poster.

Sonia Romero is a participating artist for the Getty Foundation’s Pacific Standard Time LA/LA initiative this fall, showcasing “Wings of the Dead” in the exhibit Dia de los Muertos: A Cultural Legacy, Past, Present and Future at Self Help Graphics & Art. Her impressive career encompasses work as a painter, printmaker, paper-cutter, and public artist. Raised in the Chicano/a art community, she is influenced by folk art practices from around the world and creates everything from small intimate artworks to large-scale permanent public art installations.

Source: Sarah Hilbert – Marketing and Events Coordinator, Old Pasadena Management District. “Old Pasadena Day of the Dead Celebration” event is presented by Old Pasadena Management.