From the Director
You are invited to Viva la Vida Fest 2021 at Mexic-Arte Museum & Visit the Fest – Goes Virtual on the website for more!
Mexic-Arte Museum, 5th Street, 14’8” x 42’, Acrylic on Wall, 2021
When: Oct. 30, 2021
Time: 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 5th Street and Congress
Admission: Regular Admission to Museum
With Complimentary Pan de Muerto/Day of the Dead Bread – First 200 people
Free Outside Activities
Mexic-Arte Museum in partnership with the Austin Convention Center invites families to join us for Viva la Vida 2021 downtown on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. The in-person event will take place from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free Activities Outside the Museum include a decorated sidewalk with marigolds and papel picado and display of large parade props –called Mojigangas – including La Catrina by Patricia Greene, El Azteca, skeleton musicians, magical Coco alebrijes by Monica and Sergio Lejaraza, and the Bike Zoo’s butterflies, bat and owl. Austin Lowriding also will exhibit their artful cars along 5th Street. Families can take photos of the 42’ x 14‘ The Ofrenda Mural by Alonso and Gus Estrada and Jenn Contreras and animate or augment the mural with their phones to make it come alive.
This colorful mural depicts a family setting up an ofrenda – a table of offerings- featuring food and treats for deceased family members. In the background, the deceased line up to receive their offerings, pan de muerto, tamales, candies, fruits, beverages and other treats. At the top of the painting, calaveras can be seen participating in the festivities, symbolizing the cycle of life and death. The family decorates the ofrenda, or altar, to honor the dead with flowers, food, and drink. This mural is inspired by Cleofas Ramirez Celestino, artist from the state of Guerrero. It is a depiction of the true spirit of a traditional Día de los Muertos celebration.
The Ofrenda Mural comes to life, or is augmented/animated, by David Figueroa of Augment El Paso. Viewers can download the app via QR code on their phone to make aspects of the mural move. Animation includes the following: the woman placing a basket on the ofrenda, or altar; the dog barking; skeletons in the back moving – carrying their food back to their home; candles flickering and smoke coming out of incense burner; the papel picado – paper banners – moving with the wind; and butterflies flying. The public may visit the mural at any time, and the mural will be up until the end of November.
Augment El Paso
Augment El Paso, led by David Figueroa, is a collaboration between digital and traditional artists, and passionate individuals who wish to enhance the El Paso Del Norte region and beyond, through our unique art, showcases, educational workshops, and service. Our community holds a special place in our hearts, and we love working with local artists! We realize that by working together, we can accomplish something truly amazing.
How it works:
Using the Augment El Paso App, the viewer scans enhanced artwork with their smartphone or tablet device, and 3D graphics begin to populate the display screen. The AEP App uses tracking data within the artwork to tether the 3D graphics directly to the image, causing it to remain in a fixed position, while allowing the user to view and interact with the media from different angles and perspectives. The viewer then has the ability to interact with the digital content and activate animations with the 3D models, audio and video, and can also be directed to external for additional information or content related to the artwork being augmented. Download the app and point it at The Ofrenda Mural and see it come to life!
At Frost Tower Plaza, kids can take home free Day of the Dead art kits to make paper banners and marigolds, as well as enjoy pop-up demos and an outdoor store featuring Viva la Vida items.
Inside the Museum, visitors can view the current exhibitions:
Inside the Museum, there will be activities too. Starting at 10:00 a.m., there will be music by Justice Philips. At 11:00 a.m., there will be a book presentation and signing of Dining with the Dead: A Feast for the Souls on Day of the Dead by Mariana Nuño Ruiz and Ian McEnroe. Throughout the day there will be wandering musicians performing in the galleries. Musicians include: Eduardo Cassapia, “El Qolla”, Angel Ibanez, Mi Trova, Cuitlahuac Ortiz, La Catrina & José Guadalupe Posada – Lucia & Francisco Chavez, and others.
Admission to the Museum is $7 for adults, $4 for seniors, active military, veterans and students, and $1 for children 12 and under. Admission is free to Mexic-Arte members. The first 200 people will receive a complimentary pan de muerto, a tasty Day of the Dead bread.
Viva la Vida 2021 – Goes Virtual!
If you cannot make it on Oct. 30th do not worry, Viva la Vida 2021 will continue virtually. The Mexic-Arte Museum shares the virtual festival with viewers from all over Austin, to people across the world, expanding the popular festival. Virtual programs can be found at www.mexic-artemuseum.org. The site includes parade/procession videos, music, performances, and storytelling, Virtual Exhibition Tour – Los Pueblos Originarios – Honoring the Dead – Continuing Traditions, Photos by Mary J. Andrade Exhibition, The Ofrenda Mural
Dia de los Muertos Art Activities and Education Guide, recipes and Online Store.
A very special Thank You to the Austin Convention Center and the City of Austin for supporting Viva la Vida Fest 2021!
About Dia de los Muertos Tradition:
Day of the Dead is an important Latin American tradition that takes place on November 1st and 2nd. It is a time when friends and family gather to honor and remember loved ones – not in mourning, but through celebration! The origins trace back to the pre-Hispanic era when death was viewed as a transformation and continuation of life. This ancient belief evolved into the modern tradition of commemorating loved ones with altars decorated with sugar skulls, flowers, photographs, favorite foods and memorabilia of the deceased. Family and friends share stories and memories, sing songs, and play music to celebrate those who have passed on. In Austin, Mexic-Arte Museum has taken these traditions, continued some, transformed others, and created new expressions to produce today’s Viva La Vida Fest!
Executive Director
Sylvia Orozco
PR/Special Events
Viva la Vida Fest 2021 – Goes Virtual! Celebrating Day of the Dead, Presented by Austin Convention Center
Mexic-Arte Museum’s Viva la Vida Fest 2021 – Goes Virtual! Celebrating Day of the Dead, Presented by Austin Convention Center. As part of the Mexic-Arte Museum’s continued initiative to bring Museum events right to your screen, we will be presenting Viva la Vida in two parts: in-person and virtually! Utilizing a festival-landing page, the Museum’s virtual and in-person programming make Viva la Vida such a special, vibrant celebration.
- What: Viva la Vida Fest 2021 – Goes Virtual! Celebrating Day of the Dead, Presented by Austin Convention Center
- Where: Mexic-Arte Museum and Mexic-Arte Museum Website
- In-person programming – At the Museum on Saturday, October 30th, Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78701
Virtual:
The Mexic-Arte Museum will share the virtual festival with viewers from all over Austin, to people across the world, expanding our popular festival. The site page will remain live on the Mexic-Arte Museum website and utilized in tandem with the Día de los Muertos section of the Mexic-Arte Museum website!
- Parade/ Procession Videos
- Xantolo: Music, Performances, and Storytelling
- Virtual Exhibition Tour – Los Pueblos Originarios – Honoring the Dead – Continuing Traditions, Photos by Mary J. Andrade Exhibition
- Mariposa Plaza: Dia de los Muertos Art Activities and Education Guide
- Delicias: Day of the Dead recipes
- Online Store – Buy Papel Picado, Skulls, and Ofrenda Kits
In-Person:
- Where: Mexic-Arte Museum, 5th St. & Congress Ave
- Frost Tower Plaza, Outdoor Sidewalk Display, 4th St.
- When: October 30th – 10am – 5pm
- Admission to the Museum: $7 for Adults
- What: In the Museum:
- Our current exhibitions:
- Parade Props – Display of large parade props called Mojigangas – including La Catrina and others, Bike Zoo Butterflies, and more!
- Free Pan de Muerto/Day of the Dead Bread (first 200 with admission)
- Augmented Mural of Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda located on Museum’s north facing wall (Congress Ave and 5th St)
- Dia de los Muertos Store with papel picado, skulls, etc.
- Free Papel Picado Art Kits for Children
Exhibits
Los Pueblos Originarios – Honoring the Dead – Continuing Traditions, Photos by Mary J. Andrade Exhibition
Los Pueblos Originarios – Honoring the Dead – Continuing Traditions, Photos by Mary J. Andrade
Sept. 17, 2021- Nov. 21, 2021
The Mexic-Arte Museum is beyond proud to announce the recent acquisition of the The Mary J. Andrade Passion for Life, Day of the Dead in Mexico Photography Collection. Mary J. Andrade is a prominent figure in the study of Day of the Dead and has documented the celebration in different states of the Mexican Republic from 1987 to 2016. Mary J. Andrade, Cultural Advisor for the Disney Pixar Oscar Winning Movie “Coco,” began researching Day of the Dead in 1987 in Janitzio, Michoacan. Since then, Mary has covered a different state of the Mexican Republic each year, gathering information and taking photographs of the celebration of this pre-Hispanic tradition known as Day of the Dead, a tradition that has evolved through the centuries and has become an integral part of the Mexican spirit and culture. The exhibit features photographs of various areas of Mexico and how this age-old tradition is celebrated in distinct communities.
Nuestra Comunidad/Our Community – Memory and Remembrance
Nuestra Comunidad/Our Community – Memory and Remembrance
Sept. 17, 2021- Nov. 22, 2021
This exhibition marks the 38th Annual Dia de los Muertos exhibition and celebration at the Mexic-Arte Museum, since 1984. The exhibition, as always, pays tribute to the tradition that celebrates the return of the dead to their families and friends on November 1st and November 2nd. Ofrendas, recuerdos, memorias, photos and offerings are assembled and shared in a room by community members to remember loved ones who passed away. Mexic-Arte Museum invited the public to contribute a photo of a loved one or someone you admire who has passed away.
The gathering of recuerdos includes an installation by (Re)claiming Memories organization focusing on Indigenous community and significance of plantings the San Jose Cemetery by Marika Alvarado, a Lipan Mescalero Apache medicine woman and photographer Margaret Gallagher.
Tlanezi: Teatro Ritual by Laura Yohualtlahuiz
On Friday, October 8th, Mexic-Arte Museum co-presented, TLANEZI a Teatro Ritual Honoring 500 Years of Resistance Directed by Laura Yohualtlahuiz aka LBoogie Featuring IndigeNecias & Calmeca Skwad, which took place at 4926 E Cesar Chavez St. Guests witnessed Laura Yohualtlahuiz Ríos-Ramírez as she shared some of her visual and musical production as part of the musical groups, IndigeNecias and Calmeca Skwad.
Changarreando Instagram Live + Q&A with Artist Gaby Magaly
Mexic-Arte Museum hosted Changarreando Instagram Live with Artist Gaby Magaly on Thursday, October 28th from 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm ct via the Museum’s Instagram account @mexic_arte! Mario Villanueva, Mexic-Arte Museum’s Marketing and Events Associate, facilitated the live interview with a series of questions directed at the artist including a Q&A which took place during the last 20 minutes of the event.
About the Artist
Gabi Magaly is an emerging artist born in Bryan, Texas. Magaly received her BFA in photography at Sam Houston State University in 2015 and received her MFA in Visual Arts at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2020. Magaly has exhibited in solo shows at Satellite Gallery, Huntsville, TX; The Brick, San Antonio, TX; Presa House Gallery, San Antonio, TX; Casa Lu, Mexico City. Her numerous group exhibitions include at Luis Leu Gallery, Karlsruhe, Germany; The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, San Antonio, TX; Masur Museum in Monroe, Louisiana; Museo De Las Américas in Dever, Colorado; She’s been awarded two CAMMIE awards from Blue Star Contemporary and Luminaria Contemporary Cultural Center during Contemporary Art Month 2020. She works predominantly in the medium of photography, but also employs other mediums like sculptural installation and embroidery. Magaly currently lives in San Antonio, Texas and works remotely at Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona
Artist Statement
“Growing up in a Mexican-American household, my childhood was saturated with the machismo and marianismo culture. Hypermasculinity oozes brutality, control, and bad cologne. Placated and tongue-biting women don’t speak up, act up, and always have rice and tortillas on the table at precisely six o’clock. Daughters are raised to submit to men, and are being taught to fetishize purity and holiness. We are expected to feed stomachs, ego, and a taste for violence. With my work, I draw from my experience within this toxic culture and provide a call to action for the women who don’t have a voice to feel empowered and for the men with a little too much to say to be softened. The imagery I use within my work is: Fiesta spices, Fideo, prayer cards, candles, blankets, and tortillas. I want these items to be culturally and physically accessible. A visual language usually reserved for Abuela’s kitchen and living room is transformed into defiance, empowerment, and hopefully change.”
Collections
Los Pueblos Originarios – Honoring the Dead – Continuing Traditions – Photos by Mary J. Andrade
The Mexican state of Michoacán is believed to be where the first celebration of Day of the Dead took place by some anthropologists. “The celebration of Day of the Dead in Michoacán assumes special characteristics. Four zones make up the P’urhepecha region: the Lake Zone, the Plateau Zone, the Canada of the Eleven Towns Zone and the Cienaga of Zacapu Zone (swampland).”(1) One unique way of celebration from Michoacán is to hang gifts from the top of a tree and whoever climbed the highest to receive the gifts was then the closet to their ancestors and the gods. Many of the regions of Michoacán relate the agricultural cycle to Day of the Dead as a sign of the end of a growing season. Another local tradition in the area is to lay beautiful flowers around the deceased and mourn with the family for a day until it is time for the burial, after which more flowers and flower sculptures are placed by the burial site and are upkept by the family. The exhibit stays open to the public until Sunday, November 22, 2021.
About the artwork
Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico. Decorated tomb in the Tzurumutaro cemetery, Lake Patzcuaro area/Tumba decorada en el cementerio de Tzurumutaro, área del Lago de Patzcuaro
Untitled, 1987-2016
Color Photograph, 16″ x 20″
Mexic-Arte Museum Permanent Collection 2021.15.1.23
Education
New Screen It! Teaching Artists
Remote learning and virtual school has been a challenge for all of us. With most youth now back at school campuses, we decided we could help incentivize our youth back into the classroom by having ScreenIt! back on site with our updated printmaking workshops! We would like to introduce the professionals behind the magic of the ScreenIt! program. Meet two of this year’s Teaching Artists who will be joining us this fall semester!
Photos by Sara Palma
Streamable Learning
Streamable Learning and Mexic-Arte Museum will partner up once again to provide live virtual tours for Streamable Learning’s audience which reach thousands across the country from schools in Chicago to assisted living centers in Florida. Contact to schedule a live virtual tour for you and your learners today!
Austin’s Original Courageous Female Leaders of Color Honored in Permanent Mosaic Art Installation at Austin Public Library
Austin has a decades-long history of female changemakers championing diversity and equity in education, social justice, media, technology and public leadership. Austin Public Library present Legends Mosaics: Austin’s Courageous Female Leaders of Color, six commemorative mosaic portraits produced in a collaboration between Latinitas, and six Austin female artists of color outside the central library branch. Mexic-Arte Museum’s founder and director Sylvia Orozco is one of the six honored by local artists Lys Santamaria’s mosaic.
Development
Thank you to the Austin Convention Center!
The Mexic-Arte Museum would like to recognize the Austin Convention Center for their partnership for Viva la Vida, Viva Goes Virtual! fest. This contribution makes a direct impact on our community, allowing us to promote Viva Goes Virtual, and create this virtual version of our popular festival. Additionally, funding allows the Museum to have some components of the original Viva la Vida/Day of the Dead celebration take place at the Museum on October 30th. Together we are enriching our community, and contributing to the Mexic-Arte Museum’s critical role as the “Official Mexican and Mexican American Art Museum of Texas”. Because of your support, we will continue to bring Latinx culture and art to Austin. Thank you!
Mix ‘n’ Mash: La Flor – La Vida – ARTIST INVITATION
Dear Artist,
Mexic-Arte Museum is pleased to announce a call for entries for our annual Mix ‘n’ Mash Exhibition and Art Sale, which will open on Friday, December 11, 2021. Our art sale not only increases awareness about the visual arts and art collecting in the community, but also provides funding for the Museum’s exhibitions, supports educational programming for children and adults, and sustains upkeep and care of the permanent collection. This year’s theme is Las Flores – La Vida, Flowers – Life.
Flowers and flower arranging have had a significant role in the myths of Mexican people since pre-Hispanic times to the present. The symbolic meaning of flowers is prominent throughout ancient Mesoamerican thought and practice. Flowers could represent anything from beauty and creation to death and destruction. Offerings of flowers were placed on the statues of deities. Flowers were an important feature in many ceremonies. Much of the ancient symbolism and some of the actual practices of arranging and using flowers have continued to the present day in Mexico. Many of the world’s most exotic blooms are indigenous to the country. Mexico’s religious ties to flowers are rooted to the first appearance of Saint Mary of Guadalupe.
We are inviting artists to create one work of art on a 12” x 12” eco-friendly and archival quality Gessobord generously donated by Ampersand of Austin, Texas.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?
- Artists* may pick up one Gessobord** at the Mexic-Arte Museum on Monday – Thursday 10 AM-6 PM; Friday – Saturday 10 AM-5 PM; and Sunday 12 PM-5 PM
- A credit card will be kept on file when you pick up your Gessobord. If you do not return your Gessobord, $25 will be charged to the credit card on file.
- Every artist is free to create a work of art in any style (including figurative, conceptual, abstract, surreal, popular, etc.) and media (painting, printmaking, photography, and more) that depicts their individual theme. Any theme may be used, but artists who choose the Flowers theme*** will be featured in a special section.
- Board numbers are assigned, please check the back of your board for your number.
- Before returning your board, fill out the registration form that is attached to the back of your board and the online form at. Artists must complete both digital and hardcopy forms to be compensated.
- We ask that all completed submissions be delivered to the Museum by December 1, 2021 (late submissions will be accepted, but may not be included in the opening reception).
About the Opening Reception: RECEPTION INCLUDES:
- The Mix ‘n’ Mash Exhibit and Art Sale
- Cocktails, music, and great fun!
- The public is encouraged to purchase one or more panels to create their own diptychs, triptych, or more.
WHAT DO I GET FOR PARTICIPATING?
- The boards will be sold for $150 a piece unless your board is selected to be included in a special section. Artists will receive a 40% commission from each board sold, and the boards will remain available for purchase while they are on display in the Mix ‘n’ Mash exhibition. At the close of the exhibition any unsold boards and future sales will be considered donations to the museum. These donations are tax deductible.
- As a participating artist, you will receive a one-year Individual Level Membership to Mexic-Arte Museum. Membership benefits include free admission to all exhibitions and select events, invitations to Member Preview opening receptions, subscription to the Museum E-Newsletter, and 10% off Museum Store purchases.
- You will also receive two complimentary tickets for you and a guest to attend the opening night party on Friday, December 11, from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. There will be a $10 admission fee for the public, and the event will be free for members.
Thank you for considering this unique collaborative opportunity, and please reply to if you are interested in participating. We hope that you will join us!
Store
Viva La Vida Altar Kit
Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos by building your own mini Altar! Arrange these ofrendas while learning about their traditional meanings with a free download of Mexic-Arte Museum’s Day of the Dead Guide. Available in-store and online!
Dining with the Dead: A Feast for the Souls on Day of the Dead
Dining with the Dead is an unforgettable cultural and culinary odyssey. Traditional, celebratory Mexican food is the soul of this one-of-a-kind cookbook. Make tamales, pozoles, pan de muerto, and many other festive, iconic dishes. Learn about altars, sugar skulls, and decorations. Unlock the essence of chiles, make scratch tortillas, and perfect the king of the moles. Available in-store and online! Don’t miss a book signing with author Mariana Nun̄o-Ruiz on October 30th during Viva la Vida!
Thank you to Our Sponsors
Learn more about the Mexic-Arte Museum
Exhibition and Art Education Programs Support: 3M, AeroMexico, Ampersand Art Supply, Trey Andrade, Applied Materials, Austin Community Foundation/Stand with Austin, Austin Convention Center, Austin Independent School District Creative Classrooms, Austin Latino Coalition, Charles Beckman, Michael Best, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Brown Foundation, Brown Distributing Company, Dr. Frank Cardenas, City of Austin Community Youth Development Program, Clay Imports, Endeavor Real Estate Group, Fonda San Miguel, Tom Gilliland, Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody, Juan J Gutierrez and Rosa K Gutierrez, H-E-B, H-E-B Tournament of Champions, GTOPS, Hendler Flores Law, Humanities Texas, Junior League of Austin, JP Peace Love & Happiness Foundation, Mickey and Jeanne Klein, Ann McEldowney, Mindpop, National Endowment for the Arts, Ingrid and James Taylor, Mike Taylor, Michael Torres, Serie Print Project, Morgan Stanley, Efficient Steel, Bettina & Travis Mathis, Elizabeth Rogers, Juan Antonio Sandoval Jr., Rosa Santis & Pedro SS Services, Marina Sifuentes, Susto Mezcal, Texas Mutual, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Delia Sifuentes, Texas Gas Service, Texas Commission on the Arts, Tribeza, Univision 62, Univision Radio, Lola Wright Foundation, and Jane & Manuel Zuniga.