As the sun began to set, detailed brushstrokes traced the trail for onlookers to see various artworks displayed in the heart of Downtown Fullerton during the Dia de los Muertos Art Walk on Friday.
The event was a gateway for growing artists to showcase and amplify their voices through each detailed etch on their art, conveying a message.
Tucked away in the ceramic studio Kitsch, a flush canvas disguised as wood, created by featured artist Susie Silva, hung on the right side of the store.
Sprinkled marigold petals, frozen in time alongside a pair of curious hummingbirds, are encapsulated between the space of two hands. Together, it focuses the viewer’s attention on the center of the illustration, tying back to traditional symbols associated with Dia de los Muertos.
A personal mission tied to Silva’s displayed work prompted her invitation to her first art expedition from the art and entertainment media outlet XZBT.
“I painted it with the intention to honor and pay tribute to the memory of my loved ones that have passed away,” Silva said, attributing it to her late aunt. “If through my own artwork, I can also continue to immortalize the voices of those that are not with us anymore and speak through them and keep their memory alive, I feel like that’s really important and it’s really special.”
November’s art walk was a fitting time of year to spotlight traditional and cultural artwork, serving as a platform for small artists to promote their work across the city.
Notable for hosting community events, such as inviting performing artists for music showcases, The Night Owl Cafe took it a step further by also inviting visual artists. Art vendors stood to the side of the Boulevard Blues Band to enhance the ambiance.
Visual artist Sarah Yoon, who was stationed at the cafe, reflects on a time when Fullerton’s art walk brought together a larger portion of the community.
“When I was a kid, I remember it being very large, and I thought I would never be involved in it at all,” Yoon said. “It has gotten a lot smaller over the years, so I’m just here hoping I can help it become something again.”
The cultural focus on Dia de los Muertos opened up opportunities for further art to be recognized in various avenues.
Right next to the front window of Cultura Tacos y Mas, who contributed to the event as a sponsor, a resin La Catrina filled the space, complementing its surroundings while also standing firm as its own entity.
Placed in a wooden shelter reminiscent of the classic Mexican board game “Loteria,” “LA CAMILLA,” by artist KC Wilkerson, paired well with the already rich cultural appreciation embodied by the shop.
The Dia de los Muertos event also provided an opportunity for dedicated youth art programs to exhibit their community contributions.
Pivoting from the cultural theme to encompass a broader avenue, the Fullerton Council Parent Teacher Association Reflections held an art showcase entitled “I Belong.” This showcase featured a multitude of artworks created by students in the Fullerton School District in the vicinity of the Fullerton Museum Center.
“With the way that the political climate is, ‘I Belong’ is very important.” said Alia Cass, the Fullerton Council PTA’s Reflections chair. “We represent all kids, so it’s very important that they have this outlet to be able to express themselves.”
The monthly art walks continue to tie small artists to local businesses in the community, developing a mutual relationship among them and encouraging downtown visitors to admire local artistry.
“I love that they’re (XZBT) working with local artists to bring our art to the forefront of our community,” Silva said. “So that people that are out and enjoying it can look at it and be like, ‘Yeah, that’s somebody that’s local, that’s somebody that’s here, somebody that’s tangible that I can connect with.’”