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Art and celebration to honor dead

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Contributed by: John Paul Thornton on 10/20/2006

Skulls made of sugar and skeletons in love... For Stuart Vaughan, the dynamic Director of the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center, the highlight of every year is presenting his remarkably intricate and delightful shadow puppet performance, featuring a touching fable of skeleton characters who have fallen deeply in love. They zoom in their car, interact dramatically and show emotions just like people in the real world do. Stuart is pleased to bring his personal artistry to the community, adding elements of fantasy and humanity to the annual Dia de los Muertos children's art festival. Inside the art gallery, gorgeous artwork by children inspired by traditional folkarts surround altars dedicated to some of the world's most revered figures in art history, such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Frida Kahlo and Vincent van Gogh.

Forget "trick or treat". Dia De Los Muertos translates as "Day of the Dead", and bears only a passing resemblance to the American Halloween. Dia De Los muertos is not about frightening others while wearing scary costumes. It actually began in Mexico as a way to honor family members who have died. With it's origins based on a combination of Aztec rituals and Catholic All Soul's Day ceremonies brought from Spain, the rustic tradition involves creating an 'ofrenda" or altar upon which a photo and selected personal items belonging to the deceased are displayed. Yet far from sadness, the act of honoring the dead involves a playful kind of laughing in the face of death, which manifests in whimsical skeleton sculptures, delicious foods, music and handicrafts.

Since becomming the Director of the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center, Stuart Vaughan has dedicated himself to programming that brings the local community together, linking families to the arts in meaningful ways.

"I see Dia De Los Muertos as a very special holiday," says Stuart. "It honors the memory of loved ones, and it is all about creativity in the arts." Two powerful aspects of life, indeed.

The Canoga Park Youth Arts Center is a facility of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. Their annual Dia De Los Muertos celebration is free and draws hundreds of children and their families to participate in art exhibitions,art workshops, live music and performances.

This years free event is on Saturday November 4th, 2006 from 5 to 8 PM.
The Canoga Park Youth Arts Center is located at 7222 Remmet Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303. For more information please call (818) 346-7099.

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