This October and November, an installation by Sherman Heights Community Center (SHCC) will be on view in the niche, located in the Museum’s outdoor arcade, as part of our Community Spotlight series. For the Spotlight, SHCC is creating a Día de los Muertos altar that blends pop culture and tradition. SHCC's Executive Director, Daniela Kelly, along with artist Francisco Soto, gave us a glimpse into the center's offerings and the theme behind this year's altar, which was a collaborative effort between Francisco and artist Yvette Roman.
The altar’s theme is Mexican professional wrestling, Lucha Libre, but it is also the idea of a superhero. And this mixing of pop culture with longstanding traditions is brilliant, and something we’re excited to share with everyone. - Daniela Kelly
Can you share a little bit about Sherman Heights Community Center?
Francisco: Sherman Heights Community Center, was established as a nonprofit in 1984. We offer various community programs, including food distributions for seniors and the public through San Diego Food Bank. As well as after-school programs for kids from Sherman Elementary and neighboring schools. We also have senior programs and activities like bingo, cooking, and birthday celebrations.
Most notably, for more than 28 years the community center has celebrated Día de los Muertos with onsite community altars, craft workshops, festivities, neighborhood altars, a candle-light procession, and other programs and services. We emphasize cultural events and celebrate traditions, with a focus on community involvement.
How did you get connected with Mingei?
Daniela: I started at SHCC in 2020, but before that, I was the Gallery Director at the Atheneum Art Center where I collaborated with Mingei on programming. While Mingei was under renovation, the Atheneum Art Center hosted a Mexican Folk Art exhibition as well as a few workshops and other Día de los Muertos activities.
And now that I’m SHCC, we’ve been making an altar at the Museum for the past three years. Mingei Education staff members also attend our Día de los Muertos celebration, bringing a craft activity for all to enjoy. For the altars, each year is a different theme, last year was Mexican American musicians and Mexican folk music. This year, Francisco came up with the theme of Lucha Libre.
The altar’s theme is Mexican professional wrestling, Lucha Libre, but it is also the idea of a superhero. And this mixing of pop culture with longstanding traditions is brilliant, and something we’re excited to share with everyone.
Can you tell us more about the altar and its theme, Francisco?
Francisco: The altar is dedicated to the sport of Lucha Libre (Mexican-style professional wrestling) and some of its well-known luchadores, like El Santo, Blue Demon, and Mil Máscaras. Lucha Libre is an iconic sport in Mexico, and the luchadores are like superheroes for kids. Me especially! Growing up, I remember going to Tijuana with my family to watch Lucha Libre matches and spending many hours wearing the mask of my favorite luchador, El Santo. We also include traditional elements such as food, water, salt, and the Xoloescuincle (the Mexican hairless dog) which serves as a guide to the souls in the underworld on the altar on the altar.
Have you always been creative?
Francisco: I didn't go to art school, or anything like that, but I've always been creative since I was little. When I was in high school, and college I became more interested in art and took a lot of art classes. But most of my work is self-taught.
Do you have a favorite medium to work in?
Francisco: I'm very spontaneous – I make with whatever is around me. Sometimes I will sketch my ideas but mostly I work through ideas in my head and figure it out as I go. Working with found materials and large-scale installations are the most enjoyable for me.
Daniela: Francisco’s installation work is incredible. He transforms the entire community center, into one big piece of art. It's beautiful. He's very resourceful and can see the potential beauty and purpose in objects that others don’t. The concept of crafting everyday beautiful, objects is where Francisco's eye and aesthetic come in. He sees the potential beauty in things that we all see as simply functional objects.
Want to take part in Sherman Heights Community Center’s Día de los Muertos Events? Check out their list of events below.
October 17 | Altar Tours Begin
October 21 | Youth Celebration