One beautiful thing about the Latin American tradition of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is the abundant use of the pungent and vibrant yellow-orange cempasúchil flower – also known as Mexican marigold – as a way to help loved ones find the ofrendas made for them, which also hold mementos, photographs, and their favorite foods. Mexic-Arte Museum’s new exhibit invited Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, La Peña in collaboration with the South Texas Human Rights Center, and MAS Cultura to create altares inspired by the museum’s collection, resulting in community-based tributes and original artworks presenting a unique vision of the holiday. Celebrate this life-affirming tradition at the opening reception for the exhibit, on view through Jan. 5. Just look for the marigolds. – Kat McNevins
