SJCC students and local artists collaborate to host a cultural reception Oct. 30 for Dia De Los Muertos

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Day of the Dead, otherwise known as Dia de Los Muertos, has a display at San Jose City College’s Carmen Castellano Fine Arts Center.

There will be poetry reading and piñata breaking Oct. 24, but the main event is the closing reception Oct. 30.

The reception will consist of face painting, a costume contest, live music, free food and refreshments, dancing, art viewing and socializing. The event will last from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Carolann Espino, former SJCC student and now faculty member, is the main coordinator for the event. This artist and single mother is passionate about getting people involved in the Fine Arts Center.

“I hope to get every culture celebrated in this gallery,” Espino said.

The event was put together almost entirely by volunteers. SJCC students and campus club members submitted pieces and volunteered to supervise during the hours it will be open.

Active local artists Carlos Rodriguez, Paul Gonzales, and more, including Espino herself, will have artwork shown in the gallery.

Lee Onista, art major, is involved with the gallery. She has contributed art and helped set up the gallery.

“Espino is awesome and is doing a great job organizing the gallery,” Onista said. “The artwork is so bold and colorful.”

Espino said she hopes to expand the art program by getting more students involved by making collective art galleries and gathering audiences.

“San Jose City College has the best art department in the Bay Area,” Espino said. “I adore all the art instructors.”

Groups and organizations including METAS, MEChA, Diversity Advisory Council, Associated Students and the Office of Humanities, have helped sponsor and/or promote the Dia de Los Muertos exhibit.

This second annual gallery is opened now until Nov. 4, Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The art show will honor faculty who have recently passed including dance professor Susie Cashion, Dr. Byron Skinner, and SJCC Past President; Reggie Lockett.

Espino, artists and volunteers are working hard to make this spooky season an artistic cultural experience for SJCC.