A Month-long celebration

The onset of fall can only mean one thing: the annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration, hosted by Tieton Arts & Humanities. Currently in its tenth year, the celebration honors the lives of lost loved ones through performances, music, and art. Tieton Arts & Humanities is committed to continue offering this popular program that is needed this year, more than ever.

Tieton Arts & Humanities celebrates this important cultural tradition by inviting Latinx families to share their culture with the larger community. This year will be different without large crowds and live performances, but the exhibition and gallery will be open in person and online, performances will be presented virtually throughout October and November, and there will be complimentary craft kits available for pickup. The celebration is free for all participants thanks to sponsors and donors from the community.

With “to-go” craft activities for all ages, this free family friendly event offers visitors a chance for an interactive cultural experience and remembrance. The tapete (sand painting) will be in place; the ofrenda (altar) will be decorated; and la Catrina will host the virtual programming! A local videographer has donated his time to record music and dance groups’ performances, which will be presented onsite and right here for all to see.

In addition, the Dos Fridas Installation returns this year, joining the gallery exhibit on Saturday October 24. They take the iconic Frida Kahlo painting “Dos Fridas” and bring it to life with models, lighting effects, and attention to detail.

Fulgencio Lazo, Oaxacan artist and one of three recipients of the 2018 Conductive Garboil Grant, will return to create the tapete. His work will be joined by a traditional altar installation created by City of Redmond Poet Laureate Raúl Sánchez, and the gallery will showcase Día de los Muertos themed artwork created by talented artists from around the valley, including Christie Tirado, Amanda Ontiveros, Maria Navarro, Carlos Prado, Cindy Lemus, il il, Bashi, Aislinn Hematyar Kalstad, Rosie Saldaña, Luis Hernandez, Lily Strong, Anthony Tzib, and Mudbuny. 

Visitors can view the exhibitions and community altar in person (groups of no more than 5 at a time, masking and social distancing required) during regular gallery hours from October 24th - November 11th. The exhibit will be open: Fridays 11 am - 3 pm, Saturdays and Sundays  11 - 3 pm, and by appointment at the Mighty Tieton Warehouse: 608 Wisconsin Ave, Tieton, WA 98947.

The full gallery is also available right here.

Día de los Muertos Community Celebration is supported by grants and sponsorships from the National Endowment for the Arts, Humanities Washington, Washington Arts Commission, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Southwest Rotary of Yakima, Fiesta Foods, Gabriel Cosmetics, and 4C Construction.