Wandering Turtle celebrates Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday that honors the deceased. In English, it translates to the “day of the dead.”

The holiday is celebrated each year on Nov. 1 and 2, when the veil between the living and the dead is believed to be the thinnest. On these days, it is believed the dead are most receptive to messages from the living.

In observance of this event, Wandering Turtle Art Gallery and Gifts constructed an altar where people from the community can place small offerings to their deceased loved ones.

A box of crayons, a cigar, a string of Christmas lights and dozens of notes are among the items that adorn the altar that occupies a corner of the gallery in downtown Bloomington.

Gallery owner Jaime Sweany and local artist Michael Redman first started the altar project four years ago.

Sweany said she has long been fascinated by the Dia de los Muertos celebration.

“It’s a healthy way of honoring people that have gone before,” Sweany said.

Redman said that each year’s altar is built upon items that have been placed in previous years and that items placed four years ago are still on display this year.  
Local artist Patricia C. Coleman  has seen the altar each year and said she was amazed by how much it has grown.

On Friday, the gallery had a closing reception. Candles were lit on the altar as patrons mingled and continued to place items down.

The altar was up for about four weeks, said Rachel DiGregorio, the assistant manager of retail sales.

DiGregorio said some customers were apprehensive of the many plastic skeletons and skulls around the altar, but most embraced the idea after she explained its purpose.
“It’s hard not to get emotional,” DiGregorio said.

She said kids are usually drawn to the altar. She said some of the most heartfelt notes are from children writing to a dead pet or grandparent.   

She said other reactions are varied; some customers have cried, while others have thanked the gallery for providing the grieving opportunity.  

Redman said this year’s offerings will be packed in boxes on Nov. 3 to be used again next year.

Sweany said she is happy to grant the community a positive outlet to commemorate their loved ones.

“I feel honored to have the community respond like they have,” Sweany said.