Illinois Valley News

From our weekly issue dated October 31, 2007

As part of their studies about Latin America, Lorna Byrne Middle School seventh-graders in Cave Junction attended art workshops on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 23 and 24.

Offered by the Learning Through Art (LTA) program of the Illinois River Valley Arts Council, the workshops focused on the Latin American tradition of Dia de los Muertos -- Day of the Dead.

A joyful remembrance of friends and relatives who have passed on, “Day of the Dead” is a Latin American festival celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2. Lorna Byrne students were introduced to the holiday with a movie, then asked to think and find out as much as they could about a friend or family member who has died.

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As part of their workshop, they then wrote a paper about the deceased loved one and created and decorated a paper mask to symbolize him or her. Dia de los Muertos workshops also included making jointed and beaded skeletons, a common theme of the holiday; decorating a traditional sugar skull; and creating Retablos, a portable altar honoring their loved ones.

Other Latin American workshops included Peruvian Rain Sticks, and Mexican (God's Eyes) Weaving.

A classroom celebration of Dia de los Muertos will be held Thursday, Nov. 1. It will include students being given the opportunity to make polvarones cookies and Pan de Muertos, a traditional bread. In addition to the student-baked bread and cookies, there will also be Mexican hot chocolate and chips and salsa, thanks to generous donations from Shop Smart Food Warehouse and Carlos’ Restaurante in Cave Junction.

The seventh-grade class invites the community to see its work. Art will be displayed at LBMS and at the Upstairs Art Gallery (above Bagel Junction) during Art Walk in Downtown Cave Junction on Friday, Nov. 9, and all during November.

Projects offered this school year by the LTA program are funded by the Carpenter Foundation and community supporters.

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