DAY OF THE DEAD ALTAR TO HONOR VIRGINIA TECH SHOOTING VICTIMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Quinn Densley
602-740-8569

DAY OF THE DEAD ALTAR TO HONOR VIRGINIA TECH SHOOTING VICTIMS

A Day of the Dead shrine honoring the victims of the April 16 shootings at Virginia Tech will be on display at the Vision Gallery in Chandler, Arizona from October 22 - November 4, 2007. A special invitation is extended to Virginia Tech alumni, former students and friends to visit the gallery and pay tribute to their fellow Hokies.

The shrine was assembled by artist Ruben Maqueda, who is best known for his work at the Museo Chicano, located in Phoenix, Arizona, where he has most recently created Day of the Dead shrines for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. The shrine will incorporate traditional Mexican elements such as skulls and cut paper, but will also include other items associated with college students. The dominant color scheme of the shrine will be maroon and orange. The public will also have the opportunity to write a message which will be forwarded on to the students, faculty and staff of Virginia Tech.

Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday which dates from pre-Columbian times. It is observed the night of November 1st to the morning of November 2nd. It is believed that on this night, the spirits of the departed return to earth to visit those whom they loved in life. Gravesites are cleaned and decorated, and special altars with offerings of food and drink are erected in honor of the deceased.

Admission is free. Vision Gallery is located at 80 S. San Marcos Place in Chandler, Arizona. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A Day of the Dead festival will take place in historic downtown Chandler on November 3, 2007 from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Quinn Densley

2008-02-05

Brent Jesiek

Quinn Densley (qsdensley@yahoo.com)

eng