18th Annual Altar Show: Renewal & Remembrance

The 18^th Annual ALTAR SHOW: Renewal & Remembrance will open on Saturday, October 29, 2016.  The show features art constructions in the form of altars dedicated to persons, memories, concepts and causes.  The annual free and non-juried exhibition will be held October 29 thru November 6, noon – 7:00 pm daily.  The exhibit is held at the Northern Mines Building at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, CA.  The event is considered “a gift to the community from artists and altaristas of the Sierra Nevada Foothills”.

The first “Altar Show in Nevada County” took place in 1997, inspired by the Sacramento art show, “Altares del Mundo.” Based on Indo-Hispanic “Dia de los Muertos” traditions, artists created beautiful altars to honor beloved people who had passed on. The show was so powerful for both altaristas and viewers that it has become an annual event with up to sixty altars.

In previous shows, exhibitors have ranged in age from eight to eighty-four, offering a broad spectrum of altars.  A variety of media is used including:  sculpture, collage, assemblage, painting, photography and more.  Altar themes are limited only by the altar-makers’ imaginations, the work can be inspiring, mysterious, insightful, humorous, informative, or even outrageous.

Some constructions embrace the tradition of “Dia de los Muertos” celebrations, while other altar-makers choose to convey an array of personal and contemporary themes, views, and concerns including peace, environmental, and social issues.   Although the works are not primarily religious in nature, the event provides altar makers and viewers a safe place to renew and remember, and an opportunity to be part of a sacred space.

The Public Reception will be held on Sunday, October 30, from 3 – 5 pm when guests will enjoy refreshments and meet many altaristas while viewing the show.

The Altar Show is held in association with the Miners Foundry, a nonprofit cultural and educational foundation.