Mi Casa Es Tu Casa Exhibit Opens

Pajaro Valley Arts has opened their current and annual exhibit, “Mi Casa es Tu Casa” at their Sudden Street gallery.

The show explores the connection between the living and those who have passed.

The theme this year is “In the Arms of Our Ancestors.” As a centerpiece for the show is the jaguar, a symbol held high across Mesoamerican cultures.

The exhibit includes the ideas and collaboration of several area schools where students were invited to create their own artwork and and words for the show that includes 17 altars. Also in the exhibit are various installations, paintings, sculpture, poems, photos and more.

“In Mexican tradition, giant puppets, known as Mojigangas, bring vibrancy and life to the celebrations,” said Wendy Aikin, lead curator. “It is the spirit that inspired the creation of our ‘cat-like’ interpretation of jaguar. He stands as a guardian at the threshold of a spiritual realm, cradling an altar honoring our loved ones. The altar serves as a tribute to our ancestors, a place where the living can connect with the spirit world through the symbolic offerings placed upon it.”

“The show turned out really well,” Aikin said. “It’s a broad representation of our community, with individual families, schools, and community groups coming together to create this amazing show. It is really an important event. This year we’re going to have the opening reception in the parking lot with live performances, food trucks and more space to gather. It will be a lot of fun.”

The free reception for all ages will take place Nov. 3 from 2-4 p.m. Performances are schedules for the White Hawk Dancers, Anthony Sanchez and the Youth Music Band and Estrella de Esperanza.

The gallery is at 37 Sudden St. and the show runs through Dec. 1.

By Tarmo Hannula