You may have noticed something new at businesses in the Sugar House area – Day of the Dead altars. These altars were designed by business owners and employees in support of The Sharing Place, a non-profit grief support organization for children, teens and their families. Ofrendas, or altars are created in memory of a loved one who has died and are one of the most important traditions during Day of the Dead in Latino communities across the globe.
Brittany at Brittany Golden Studio and Gallery has created an altar in memory of her grandparents, two who she cared for and became very close to in their declining years and a grandfather who “graduated” early and has unbeknownst to him become her inspiration. As a jewelry maker himself, Brittany often calls on him when she struggles with a design. Brittany has involved her students, who are artists themselves, in developing the altar in the studio. It is diverse, colorful and artistic, giving each of them a way to remember their loved ones.
Bekke Robb at One World Gifts has always had an ongoing vision to educate the public about other cultures. She hopes that the public will ask questions and add to the colorful ofrenda she has created in her store.
To promote awareness of Dia de los Muertos, the Sharing Place is showcasing this important Latino holiday at their annual fundraising event on Saturday, October 24 from 6-10 PM in Sugar House. Red Iguana is providing food for the celebration, which will also include live music from salsa band, Rumba Libre, sugar skull decorating, Calavera face painting, intuitive readers, altars created by families of The Sharing Place and a silent auction featuring Love Baskets, each created in a loved one’s memory.
The public is invited to The Sharing Place Dia de los Muertos Celebration. Tickets are $45 per person, 18 years of age and up, with a $10 college student discount. They are available at thesharingplace.org or by calling 801-466-6730.
