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Frida Kahlo portrait contest entries due Oct. 15; exhibit begins Nov. 5

Community ofrenda to honor loved ones who have passed away
September 22, 2021

The Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover will host an exhibition titled Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray, starting Friday, Nov. 5, featuring famous photographic portraits of the artist Frida Kahlo as captured by her friend and lover, Nickolas Muray.

Leading up to the show, the museum is hosting two opportunities for community members to be part of the exhibition. The Mi Frida Portrait Contest invites children to submit renderings of Kahlo during Hispanic Heritage Month for a chance to win great prizes, while the Día de los Muertos celebration will allow the community to submit names and images of their loved ones for remembrance while learning about the cultural significance of the holiday.

Kahlo and portraits of her have become iconic in pop culture because of her unique sense of self. Today, Kahlo’s Tehuana-inspired dress, elaborate hairstyles and dignified unibrow are as recognizable as her paintings.

For the Mi Frida Portrait Contest, students in kindergarten through 12th grades are challenged to create their own portrait of Frida Kahlo in any size and medium for the chance to win $100, a family membership and art supplies, and have their work exhibited at the Biggs. Artwork must be delivered to the Biggs Museum by Friday, Oct. 15. To set up a drop-off time, email programs@biggsmuseum.org or call 302-674-2111, Ext. 104.

The Biggs has also coordinated a community ofrenda which is being created by students at Appoquinimink High School. An ofrenda is an altar, typically located within one’s home, upon which objects are ritually placed during the celebration of Día de los Muertos. Typically the objects are associated with specific individuals who have died, and the altar is intended to welcome their spirits.

Interested parties may submit the name and/or digital image of a loved one(s) who has passed for inclusion in the community ofrenda. Email submissions by Friday, Oct. 22, to programs@BiggsMuseum.org

Día de Los Muertos is a multi-day event with the spirits of children being celebrated Monday, Nov. 1 and the spirits of adults Tuesday, Nov. 2. The Biggs invites the community to join the event Nov. 1. Visitors can view the ofrenda, participate in the Día de Los Muertos celebration with food, art and music, learn about the cultural significance of this holiday, and help create items to add to the Biggs’ ofrenda.

To learn more, go to BiggsMuseum.org.

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