October 17 – November 16, 2025 | De La Vega Gallery, Tucson
This fall, the De La Vega Gallery will come alive with a month-long celebration of heritage, resilience, and artistic expression. Día de los Muertos: Ritual Memory plus a Tribute to Frida Kahlo opens October 17 and runs through November 16, 2025, transforming the gallery into a cultural crossroads where tradition meets contemporary creativity.
The opening reception on Friday, October 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., promises to be an immersive experience. The public is welcome to attend. Guests will be greeted with the music of guitarist Carlos Manuel, and a stirring performance by A Todo Folklor Danza Mexicana —whose dancers embody the passion and vibrancy of Mexican folkloric tradition. Also, enjoy culinary offerings from Salsa Verde Restaurant, tastings of Sunora Bacanora, and Mexijuana sweets. A special sampling of ToniCol — "Es Diferente,' will be served. This is a soda that will add flavor to the evening, providing the taste of nostalgia. This reception will engage all the senses.
Throughout the reception, acclaimed painter Victor Navarro will create a large-scale live artwork before the audience. Known for his expressive style and rich symbolism, Navarro’s piece will serve as a living centerpiece of the night, capturing the spirit of transformation that defines both Día de los Muertos and Kahlo’s legacy. Guests and current artists are also invited to contribute to a Community Altar (Ofrenda) by bringing photos, mementos, or offerings to honor loved ones, turning the exhibition itself into a shared act of remembrance.
The exhibition continues with works by local and regional artists whose paintings, sculptures, and installations explore memory, ritual, and identity. From marigolds and altars to bold contemporary interpretations, the show bridges ancestral heritage with modern perspectives. A dedicated section honors Frida Kahlo, whose intimate self-portraits and enduring symbolism remain among the most powerful explorations of identity in art history.
As part of the programming, the gallery will also host a special performance on Saturday, November 8, featuring ZUZI! Dance, a Tucson-based company celebrated for its collaborative, movement-driven storytelling. Under the choreography and direction of artistic director Nanette Robinson, six dancers, a narrator, and a live musician will perform excerpts from "Blood and Gold," a production inspired by Kahlo’s life and art. The performance includes two signature works — "The Broken Column" (1944) and "The Two Fridas" — which translate Kahlo’s pain, passion, and resilience into motion. Past audiences have praised the work for embodying Frida’s intensity, with costumes, music, and movement that immerse viewers in her creative world.
By weaving together visual art, live music, dance, and community observance, Ritual & Remembrance extends beyond the walls of a gallery show. It becomes a living celebration of culture, creativity, and connection — honoring the past while inspiring the present.
Día de los Muertos: Ritual Memory + Tribute to Frida Kahlo runs October 17 through November 16, 2025. Gallery hours are Thursdays through Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. De La Vega Gallery is located at 1918 E Prince Rd, Tucson, AZ.
For more information, please visit www.DeLaVegaArtGallery or contact Mariana De La Vega at 520-392-6639.
Please note that during the opening weekend of this show, the De La Vega Gallery will also be participating in the Tucson Open Studio Tours, hosted by the Art Foundation. During the day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 14-16 from 10 am to 3 pm, local artists will be demonstrating their craft.
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