Los Angeles, CA – November 8th, 2005 – Al Borde, the award winning bi-weekly Latin Alternative publication, celebrated the traditional Mexican and Central-American festivity “Día De Los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) by hosting a cultural celebration to support local artists and students. More than 600 people attended the event on Nov. 2nd in what once was a Mortuary in East Los Angeles, now known as El Gallo Plaza Cultural & Business Center.
Young and trend-setting Latinos were treated to an exhibition and contests of two-dimensional alternative art and altar displays celebrating “Día De Los Muertos” with traditional marigolds and “pan de muertos.” The night ended with a live performance from the Latin Alternative band “Curanderos.” The event brought together professionals, business owners, the corporate community, college students and local artists to raise awareness of the vibrant alternative art and grassroots Latin culture that flourishes in Los Angeles.
“This evening is unique, because it has brought together young successful Latinos in East LA for a celebration of culture. This display of art, values and identity truly reflects our contribution to the fabric of today’s American society,” commented Leonor McCall-Rodriguez, Vice President of Emerging Markets for Blue Cross of California in the West Region.
Arturo Rivas, from Oxnard, California, was the winner of the two-dimensional art contest and was awarded with a special feature in the next issue of Al Borde along with an exhibition at the Casita del Pueblo, an art gallery and store specializing in Latino art, for his piece entitled “Virgen de los Muertos.” The award for the best altar was given to Otis College of Art and Design receiving $500 in cash and prizes. Among the judges were High School Spanish teacher Lupe Mena, architect Norma Macías, from the Federation of Clubs from Michoacan in California Victoria Chávez, print maker Gustavo Muñiz, artist Rogelio Mercado Jr., and visual artist Miguel Angel Reyes.
Al Borde is a free bi-weekly publication reaching young and trend-setting 18-40 year old Hispanics. With more than 35,000 circulation and 150,000 readers, Al Borde reaches the heavily Hispanic populated areas of Los Angeles and is distributed through key locations nationwide.
Sponsors of the event to bring Latin Culture awareness to East LA included Blue Cross, Best Buy, Tequila El Jimador, Manzanita Sol, Wells Fargo, Warehouse Shoe Sale, Porto’s Bakery, Casita del Pueblo, Warner Bros., Tower Records, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and El Clasificado, Al Borde’s parent company.
More information and photos about the “Dia De Los Muertos Event and Art Contest” can be found at www.alborde.com
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