LMC FALL 2026 PROGRAMMING:

Join us…

Día de Los Muertos Art Workshops

UCSB Library is pleased to present a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altar created in collaboration between the California Ethnic & Multicultural Archives (CEMA), Las Maestras Center, and the Makerspace in honor of the holiday. The altar is composed of key elements created by UCSB students and staff in workshops throughout the month of October, including paper picado, tissue marigolds, decorated picture frames, and papier-mache skulls and will be on display until November 6 in the Library’s Ethnic and Gender Studies Collection space (2nd Floor, Ocean Side).

Día de los Muertos is a traditional holiday held on November 1 and 2. Originally celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, its roots are traced to both Catholic and prehispanic Indigenous practices of preparing altars and offerings for the spirits of loved ones who have passed away. The tradition did not become a widely-known, public celebration in the United States until the 1970s and 1980s, when Chicano/a artists and activists began producing altars, processions, and other events. The Chicano movement is a social and cultural movement that worked towards the political empowerment of, ethnic solidarity, and pride in being of Indigenous descent for Mexican Americans. 

The workshops are inspired by the annual Día de Los Muertos celebration sponsored by Self Help Graphics & Art, a cultural arts center and studio in Los Angeles whose archives have been donated to the Library. To learn more about Día de Los Muertos, explore resources related to the holiday available at the Library, including visual resources from Library digital collections.

This event may be photographed or recorded.

Papel Picado & Flores | Tuesday, October 13th @ 5PM
The MakerSpace | UCSB Library - 1st Floor Oceanside

Learn to craft papel picado and flowers out of tissue paper. Take part in folding and cutting delicate paper to design colorful, banners for a Day of the Dead altar. You will also shape vibrant marigolds that symbolize guiding lost souls back to honor their memory. All materials will be provided.

Registration closed.

Picture Frames | Tuesday, October 20th @ 5PM
The MakerSpace | UCSB Library - 1st Floor Oceanside

Learn how to design and create decorated picture frames to honor loved ones on a Day of the Dead altar. Participants will learn techniques to decorate and build a custom picture frame for a loved one that represents their traits, experiences, and cherished moments. Bring a photo to work with; all other materials will be provided.

Registration closed.

Papier-Mache Calaveras | Tuesday 10/27 & Thursday 10/29 @ 5PM
Las Maestras Center | South Hall 1415

Learn how to design and sculpt a calavera (sugar skull) or mask during this two-part event (Tuesday, 10/27 and Thursday, 10/29). Registering for this session will automatically also register you for part two. Guided step-by-step through tearing, pasting, and painting, transforming paper into a colorful keepsake to honor loved ones on an ofrenda.

Registration closed.

Día de los Muertos Altar Presentation and Ofrenda | November 1st @ 1-2 PM

UCSB Library, Ethnic & Gender Studies Collection | 2nd Floor

Join us for a short presentation and ofrenda (offering) at a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altar created in collaboration between the California Ethnic & Multicultural Archives (CEMA), Las Maestras Center, and the Makerspace in honor of the holiday. Everyone is welcome to attend and to contribute a picture or an ofrenda (offering) for a loved one.