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GUESTS: Lilia Rodriguez, Francisco Alvarez, Gallery owners, Duke One, Raul Gonzalez, Artists

The indigenous ritual of honoring the dead has been practiced for about 3,000 years in the Americas – and when Spanish colonizers arrived to present-day Mexico, they could not eradicate the tradition. Instead, the practice was absorbed into Catholic theology and became Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, and is celebrated along with All Souls Day. Today, festivities take place from Brazil to the Philippines, Mexico and beyond, to celebrate those who have passed. Locally, a new gallery in Boyle Heights will host an exhibit that will feature the works of promising local artists and acclaimed Day of the Dead traditional altar installers, painters, muralists, photographers and aerosol artists. The show, which takes place on Saturday, the third of November at The First Street Studios (near Soto), will also host face painting and free workshops for local youth. A traditional altar installation will be mounted by the Rodriguez-Castro family, and local musicians Pachamama will perform. First Street Studios is located in Boyle Heights – an area that local residents say is the latest target for gentrification.

First Street Studios
2026 E. 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA. 90033 (Boyle Heights)
Tel. 323.268.0005
firststreetstudios@yahoo.com

Opening reception for First Street Studios
“1st Annual Dia De Los Muertos Art Exhibit”
Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 from 7pm-12 a.m.

For more information, visit www.firststreetstudios.com and www.myspace.com/firststreetstudios