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Dia de Los Muertos Altar Collaboration Honors Denver’s Iconic Mexican Folk Artist, Rita Wallace de Flores at History Colorado.
Corn Mother and iconic textile artist Rita Wallace de Flores is considered by many, Denver’s first lady of Mexican Folk Art, Story, and Dance. The 90-year-old living treasure came out of retirement to work with local celebrity artist Cal Duran to create a new installation for Dia de Los Muertos at History Colorado. Now on display throughout November 3rd in the lobby of the museum (1200 Broadway).
The stunning altar is part of the museum’s annual tribute to the holiday. Duran utilized Wallace’s magnificent felt tapestry “ Tree of Life” along with over 200 of her textile pieces to create a unique tribute to the legendary artist. An 8-foot Paper Mache Cuentista (storyteller doll) was made by Duran specifically for this show. He balanced out the breathtaking installation with his signature Ojo de Dios, clay work, and other pieces.
In 2020 Wallace’s massive collection of tapestries and textiles was donated by the family to History Colorado with the help of MSU Denver Chicana/o Studies Department Journey Through Our Heritage program and the Chicano Humanities Arts Council (CHAC). “This is a rare opportunity to see the legacy of this prolific artist and truly understand the significance of her contribution to the Latinx art scene in Denver,” commented CHAC executive director Brenda Gurule.
Duran, who is known nationally for his murals, clay sculptors and Dia de Los Muertos installations, began working with Wallace over a year ago. When Dr. Lucha Martinez de Luna, Associate Curator of Hispanic, Latino and Chicano History at History Colorado asked Duran to create the altar collaboration with Wallace, Cal jumped at the opportunity.
For more information visit https://www.historycolorado.org/exhibit/dia-de-los-muertos-altar.
Que Pasa? is compiled by La Voz Staff. To submit an event for consideration please email attractions@lavozcolorado.com with Que Pasa in the subject line by Friday at 5 p.m.
