October 6, 2022 – November 27, 2022

Community Reception on October 8, 2022 from 12 PM - 3 PM

This year’s exhibition will focus on the Cempasúchil, also known as the marigold flower, and how it relates to the traditions of the holiday. It is said that the souls of the dead can reunite with their loved ones twice a year.  The ofrendas or altars are filled with offerings such as candles, flowers, and food that guide the soul from the land of the dead to the living. Items such as the Cempasúchil, were believed to illuminate the night during their journey, so the spirits do not become lost. The Cempasúchil calls to the afterlife much like the sound of a musical instrument draws people in with its notes. 

Featuring:

Ellona Allen • Saul Aguilera • Allyson Allen • Hilda Ambriz • Bill Anderson • James Armendariz • Larry Brownstein • Lisa Cabrera • Frank Carrillo • A.G. Castañeda • Elizabeth Covington • Jessica Cruz • Deserai Davis • Amaya Diaz • Elias Escobar • George Evans • David Flores • Debbie Fuentes • Angela Gallardo • Camila Gallardo • Bebop Garcia • Sandy Garcia • Raymond Gonzales-Sloan • Mario Gutierrez • Natassja Herrera • Arhyen Ibanez • Robert Jacka • Julie Larmi • Alex Ledante • Samantha Lujano • Heriberto Luna • Nancy Morales-Garcia • Irene Nuñez • MaryLucille Nuñez-Delira • Riea Owens • David Palacios • Theresa Polley-Shellcroft • Francisco Ramirez • Kathleen Reeves • Yolanda Reyes • David Rosales • Lisabella Russo • Elide Sañchez • Amy Smith • Crystal Solorzano • Mario Solorzano • Linda Ternoir • Monica Thaller • Athena Villanueva • Christiana Villanueva • Jerry Weems • Christopher Wesley • Andrea Willow • Patricia Jessup-Woodlin • SNHS Rancho Cucamonga High School

For more informaton, please visit https://www.ontariomuseum.org/upcoming/.

Participate in free Día de Los Muertos public programs throughout the City of Ontario

Please note that public programs listed occur in various locations. ‡ Reservations are recommended for museum programs, due to limited capacity. To reserve your spot, please call (909) 395-2510 or register by clicking the links below. 

Museum Hours

Thursday 12 PM - 8 PM, Friday - Sunday 12 PM - 4 PM

Community Open House Reception: Día de los Muertos Cempasúchil: Instruments of the Wind

Museum Galleries and Grounds

225 S. Euclid Ave., Ontario, CA 91762

All Ages

Saturday, October 8, 2022

12 PM – 3 PM

Celebrate the opening of our annual Día de Los Muertos exhibition, Cempasúchil: Instruments of the Wind on view through November 27th.  Meet the artists and learn more about the significance of the Mexican marigold, Cempasúchil. Folklorico performers, calavera face-painting and art-making activities will be available during the event. The first 30 people to attend will receive and Artful Surprise Bag! 

‡ Art Cart Activity: Calavera Mask Making

Museum Hallway

225 S. Euclid Ave., Ontario, CA 91762

All Ages

Thursday, October 13, 2022

5 PM – 8 PM

Stop by the Museum this Thursday evening and participate in this month’s Art Cart activity by making your own Calavera Mask in preparation for Day of the Dead. This is a drop-in activity and supplies are limited.

Día de Los Muertos – Ovitt Family Community Library 

215 E. C St., Ontario, CA 91764

All Ages

Monday, October 24, 2022

6 PM – 7 PM

Honor loved ones who've passed away with this cultural celebration. Activities, crafts and stories for the whole family! 

Día de Los Muertos Community Altar at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand

1265 S. Palmetto Ave., Ontario, CA 91762

All Ages

Wednesday, October 26, 2022 – Wednesday, November 2, 2022

8 AM – 4:30 PM

The Recreation & Community Services Department is excited to celebrate Dia de los Muertos with you again this year! Dia de los Muertos is a beautiful, traditional holiday celebrated throughout the world to honor and remember friends and family who have passed away. Families honor their deceased relatives by preparing an offering for an altar that can include photos, food, drink, and mementos of their late loved one. 

Participate by bringing your own offering to the Armstrong Community Center and add your story to the community altar. For more information and guidelines on the offerings, visit OntarioCA.gov/SpecialEvents or please call (909) 395-2020. 

‡ Virtual Community Talk: Mexica (Aztec) History of Día de Los Muertos

Livestream at the Museum Historic Council Chambers or watch online via Zoom 

225 S. Euclid Ave., Ontario, CA 91762

All Ages

Thursday, October 27, 2022

6 PM – 7 PM

Join us this evening for a community talk with Dr. Elisa Mandell, Professor of Art History at California State University Fullerton. Dr. Elisa Mandell will explore the Mexica origins of Día de Los Muertos which is nationally celebrated in Mexico.  

Click here to register.

Image Credit: David Flores, Diosa del Cempazuchitl, Acrylic on canvas, 2022.

Ontario Art Walk: An Evening at the Museum

Museum Galleries and Grounds

225 S. Euclid Ave., Ontario, CA 91762

All Ages

Saturday, November 19, 2022

6 PM – 9 PM

The Museum is one of the many locations to catch in the evening, make your way to the Downtown Ontario Art District, shop artisan vendors, and support local businesses throughout the evening. The museum will host community Folklorico Dancers led by Maria Elena Alavarez as part of our Día de Los Muertos, Cempasúchil: Instruments of the Wind exhibit. 

Call for artist booths! Showcase & sell your artwork on November 19, 2022, at the Ontario Museum of History & Art during Ontario Art Walk. To apply to become a vendor, please fill out the form at this link.

Día de Los Muertos – Lewis Family Branch

3850 E Riverside Dr, Ontario, CA 91761

All Ages

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

6 PM – 7 PM

Honor loved ones who've passed away with this cultural celebration. Activities, crafts and stories for the whole family! 

For additional information about programs and exhibitions at the Museum, please call (909) 395-2510 or visit OntarioMuseum.org [ontariomuseum.org] to plan your upcoming visit. 

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