The theme of the exhibit was “ofrendas,” a term meaning offering or gift, usually refers to a home altar with a collection of objects placed on display during the annual and traditionally Mexican Día de los Muertos. And a dog walked by on a leash, wearing a collar of marigolds as we descended in the same outside glass elevator with its view of the Plaza. Wife Caroline stood nearby, lightly re-positioning the sculpture.
Bringing them and setting them up for the one-day show must have represented a lot of man-hours. Some of his works were too big to be fired in one piece, and had been fired separately and fitted together. Jorge was wearing a shirt printed with tiny skulls and a necklace of gray beads with a carved jade skull, in honor of the day. “I love to do this,” Jorge said,” and I’m glad the community can see so many of my pieces today.” Jorge was standing beside a ceramic piece of a tiny skeleton jaguar carrying on its back its prey, a large fully fleeced sheep, one of his many more pieces and paintings. Ofrendas are said to be a bridge between two worlds, and the walls were decked with paintings, and a trio of painted and hammered repousse tin portraits that shone in the light. Pat Gil, project coordinator and vice president of the Downey Arts Coalition that presented the “Ofrendas” art show, pointed out that Hector Silva, Pinchi Michi, Carolina Del Toro, and Polaris Castillo were also included. DAC Curator Andrew Hernandez assembled a wide variety of works, which includes Jorge del Toro’s pastels and smaller sculptures, as well as works from newcomers Wendy Hernandez and Maricela Avina. We rode the swift new glass elevator neatly tucked into the wall up to the Theatre’s balcony level and the Mezzanine Gallery, to see the rest of the art show. “State Senator Bob Archuleta was here just an hour ago and presented this to Jorge, from the California Senate, for being ‘an inspiration to all who view his creations.’” Alistair Hunter, also received a citation as president of the Downey Arts Coalition “on its 10th anniversary, for providing a place for artists to thrive.” “I’m Jorge’s greatest fan,” said his wife Carolina Estrada-Del Toro, pointing to a Certificate of Recognition.
The day that began with plumed Aztec dancers in the Civic Plaza would end with a ticketed performance in the Downey Theatre by the Mariachi Divas. The sky had cleared to a bright blue after rain earlier in the week, and the temperature was in the 70’s. The theater lobby spotlighted three large ceramic pieces by Jorge del Toro, featured artist for the showĭowney’s Festival is recognized as one of the Southland’s most outstanding, due in part to the indoor/outdoor setting, and also to the overall presentation that includes color-coordinated booths and decorations. Involving the Downey Arts Coalition was the idea of Festival co-producer and Downey Theatre Manager Amber Vogel Shaver, who reached out at the first Festival to suggest a partnership. Presented by the City of Downey and the Downey Theatre, the Festival this year featured an art show at the Downey Theatre, put on by the Downey Arts Coalition. In it were placed family photos that Downey residents contributed, to make it a real ofrenda. The Plaza Altar was built by seventh generation altarista Rosanna Esparza Ahrens, the daughter and protégé of Ofelia Esparza, the grande dame of L.A. An art gallerygoer wore a hat brimming with marigolds, and artist Caroline Estrada-del Toro wore a long painted marigold metal necklace and earrings from Nyarit, her native state in Mexico. And this day is above all a family time, to celebrate lives of ancestors, and to enjoy the life of today.Ĭempasúchi is the Aztec name of the marigold native to Mexico, and they were everywhere. The fragrance of these bright orange and yellow flowers is said to lead souls on this day from their burial place to their family homes. It’s Downey eighth Festival of la Dia de los Muertos, and marigolds are the signal flower.
Downey families, with babies in prams, seniors on walkers and even dogs pulled in carts, came to enjoy the sunny afternoon. DOWNEY - A giant altar of marigolds greeted festival patrons at this year’s Dia de los Muertos Festival.Īs the artistic focal point and the first thing you see as you enter from the Firestone side, the Downey Community Altar, Ofrenda a la comunidad de Downey, sits in the newly designed plaza that fronts the Downey Theatre, labeled for the day the Plaza of Memories, or, Plaza de Recuerdos.
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