Press Release

Together, the Tucson Museum of Art and the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson present three altars created by Ruben Urrea Moreno, Galeria Mitotera, and Sophia Mayorga speak to the continuity of ancestral, ritual, and tradition in contemporary times while honoring the celebration of Día de Muertos.

Ruben Urrea Moreno’s altar will be displayed at the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson from Tuesday, October 31st through Thursday, November 9.

Altars by Sophia Mayorga and Galeria Mitotera will be displayed at the Tucson Museum of Art from Thursday, November 2nd through Sunday, November 12, 2023.

The altars across spaces complement one another, while Urrea Moreno’s altar at the Consulate of Mexico will include elements proper of central Mexico traditions, altars at TMA highlight notions related to the Tree of Life and other ancestral imagery:

• Sophia Mayorga’s altar is a homage to what existed before her, what exists now, and what will exist in the future with culture, identity, and history as recurring themes.
• Galeria Mitotera’s altar, “El Arbol,” represents our life’s journey here on earth and will be adorned with alebrijes created by Davis Bilingual Elementary Magnet and Imago Dei Middle School. “El Arbol” will also include an invitation to community to contribute their remembrances of loved ones passed.
• Ruben Urrea Moreno will display a third altar the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson honoring culture, tradition, and familial bonds from the perspective of the Nahuas culture.

The altars will also be united by a common theme – the literary masterpiece of Mexican writer Juan Rulfo, “Pedro Páramo”, and his journey to his hometown of Comala. Both Tucson Museum of Art and the Mexican Consulate in Tucson encourage visitors to identify this symbolism and interact with the story of the main character.

The three altars are inscribed in the year-long commemoration of the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between the United States and Mexico.

CALL FOR PHOTOS – This year TMA invites community members to submit digital photos of family members, friends, and loved ones who have passed as part of the community Día de los Muertos celebration at the museum.

This presentation of photos will be held on Thursday, November 2nd from 5–8 p.m. and on Sunday, November 12, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

If you would like us to include your deceased loved ones, please email photos to: Engagement@TucsonMuseumofArt.org by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31st.

CELEBRATING DAY OF THE DEAD WITH TMA AND THE CONSULATE OF MEXICO IN TUCSON –

Day of the Dead Concert at the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson:
Enjoy traditional Mexican music by guitarists and singers from the University of Arizona and celebrate Ruben Urrea Moreno’s altar.

Date and time: Tuesday, October 31 at 5:30 p.m.

First Thursday at the Tucson Museum of Art:
Honor Dia de los Muertos at the Tucson Museum of Art and experience altars by Sophia Mayorga and Galeria Mitotera. The evening will feature activities around remembrance, a Death Café (registration required), food for purchase from Brujeria Pupuseria, live music from Las Azaleas, and a cash bar serving beer and wine.

Date and time: Thursday, November 2 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Second SundAZe at the Tucson Museum of Art:
Bring family and friends to the Tucson Museum of Art to celebrate Día de los Muertos and participate in art and gallery activities. Public altars by Sophia Mayorga and Galeria Mitotera will be on view and visitors are invited to create a remembrance of someone special who has passed. In addition, join in on family yoga at 11:30 a.m. or get your face painted from 12–1 p.m.

Date and time: Sunday, November 12 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; activities from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Museum Hours
Wednesday – Sunday
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

About Tucson Museum of Art
As an institution built upon the original territories of the O’odham, the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (TMA) acknowledges the Indigenous Sonoran Desert communities, past and present, who have stewarded this region throughout generations.

TMA connects art to life through meaningful and engaging experiences that inspire discovery, spark creativity, and promote cultural understanding. Founded in 1924, TMA encompasses an entire city block in historic downtown Tucson and is committed to developing quality exhibitions, expanding and diversifying its collection, providing arts education opportunities, and presenting relevant and innovative programs while broadening public access to the arts.

The museum features exhibitions of Modern and Contemporary art, Latin American art from ancient to today, Indigenous arts and Art of the American West. A permanent collection of over 10,000 works of art spans continents, centuries and media. TMA’s campus includes five properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an art education center and research library, the Museum Store and the highly acclaimed museum restaurant Café a la C’Art. TMA is a private 501(c)(3) charitable arts and education organization. For additional information visit TucsonMuseumofArt.org or call (520) 624-2333.

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