Day of the Dead' Exhibit Opens Oct. 29

Fairmont State University art students will participate in the construction of a "Day of the Dead" installation in the Brooks Gallery of Wallman Hall on Oct. 29 through Nov. 2. They will be assisted by Morgantown artist Penelyn Peterson and Dr. Steve Pavlovic, a member of the FSU faculty. This is a project brought back for the third year by popular demand on the part of the students.

"For the past two years, students have asked to have another "Day of the Dead" exhibition. They enjoyed having the opportunity to honor their family members by contributing to the altar installation. I am glad to give them that chance," said Curator Marian J. Hollinger.

"Day of the Dead" is a chiefly Mexican celebration to honor deceased family members. In each Mexican household, there is a private altar with pictures of the deceased, together with objects which were special to them. The souls of the dead are thus invited to be present with the living, and special foods are also associated with the celebration. In many homes, there is a path of marigold petals leading from the altar to the door, placed there to welcome the souls inside.

"Day of the Dead" coincides with the religious celebration All Souls' Day, historically a time of remembrance of those who have died. Students who participate will decorate sugar skulls, a traditional part of the Mexican celebration, make skeletal figures, also a part of the traditional celebration, and will work with Peterson to construct an exhibition of original art to commemorate their families.

Peterson incorporates, in many examples of her own art, figures and symbols which are associated with the "Day of the Dead," Mayan art and the mythology of other ancient Central American cultures. In each instance, her work is highly original and multi-faceted. She combines humor, social commentary and primordial symbolism that the viewer can "read" on several levels.

Pavlovic, who teaches Special Education at FSU, has, in addition to his doctorate in Education, an M.F.A. in Art from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. His work combines humor, symbolism and subtle social commentary. He will also have a solo exhibition in the Brooks Gallery at FSU in January 2008.

The "Day of the Dead" exhibition will be open from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays from Oct. 29-Nov. 2. The opening reception will take place from 7-9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29. For more information, call or e-mail Marian J. Hollinger at (304) 367-4300 or mhollinger@fairmontstate.edu.