Hispanic Heritage and Day of the Dead events at the Museum of Ventura County include Maya-inspired ceramics, a Night of the Living, Day of the Dead evening celebration, an art and altars exhibition, a book talk by Gustavo Arrellano and a screening of a documentary about a Pre-Columbian ball game still being played today.

Social Resurrection: Ceramics by Richard Flores
On exhibit through November 25
Contemporary ceramic vessels by artist and studio arts professor Richard Flores. The recently constructed pieces, being exhibited in various stages of completion, are based upon the teachings and spiritual messages that guided life for the ancient Maya.
Ulama: The Game of Life & Death
Saturday, October 13
2:00 pm

Film screening followed by Q&A with award-winning filmmaker Roberto Rochín of Mexico City. “Ulama: The Game of Life & Death” looks at the ancient ball game of ulama, one of the oldest Pre-Columbian recreational activities, still pursued today in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The documentary delves into its origins, symbolism, and representations in mythology and the visual arts. It also highlights the game courts found by archaeologists and the way the game is currently played.110 minutes, Spanish with English subtitles.
$5 general public; $3 students & seniors; MVC members free
RSVP: 805.653.0323 x7

An Afternoon with Gustavo Arellano-Author of TACO USA
Sunday, October 14
2:00 pm
Lecture followed by book signing by OC Weekly editor and nationally syndicated “Ask A Mexican” columnist Gustavo Arellano, author of the new book “Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America.” Arellano combines history, cultural criticism, personal anecdotes and ‘Jesus on a tortilla’ to explore America’s century-long love affair with Mexican food.
$5 general public; $3 students & seniors; MVC members free
RSVP: 805.653.0323 x7

Night of the Living, Day of the Dead!
Friday, November 2
6:00 – 10:00 pm

Join the museum’s Las Contemporaneas Committee as they host an evening of drinks, decadent delights and dancing in celebration of Day of the Dead.

A traditional altar by the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project and well as artist-created altars are on exhibit that evening, along with a silent auction of shadow box retablos created by local artists including Andrea Vargas, Ricardo Rodriguez, Maribel Hernandez, Xavier Montes and others.

The evening opens with a blessing ceremony by Roberto Vargas, and includes Day of the Dead crafts for adults, dinner by El Taco, a no-host bar and dancing to the music of DJ Solo. Museum galleries remain open and feature the exhibit Social Resurrection: Ceramics by Richard Flores.
Proceeds go to the museum’s Las Contemporaneas support group, whose focus is Latino arts education and outreach.
For more information please call (805) 653-0323 x 302.
Tickets: $20 general public, $15 MVC members; $25 at the door (includes dinner, one drink ticket and entry to all galleries). Reservation deadline: October 24th. RSVP: 805.653.0323 x7
Arts & Altars Exhibit
Saturday, November 3
11:00 – 5:00 pm

View artist-created retablos as well as altars created by local artists and by the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project. Add a personal message to our community altar.
Free with regular museum admission

Day of the Dead Family Sunday
Sunday, November 4
11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Music, dance performances and crafts for the entire family highlight the last day of the Arts & Altars exhibit.
FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY (FIRST FREE SUNDAY)

About The Museum of Ventura County
The Museum of Ventura County is located at 100 East Main Street in downtown Ventura. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission to the exhibitions is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children 6-17, members and children under 6 are free. The first Sundays of every month are free general admission for the public. For more museum information go to www.venturamuseum.org or call 805-653-0323.