Home » City Guide » , , , ,

SOMArts’ Día de Los Muertos Returns for First Public Opening Since 2019

One of the most internationally diverse Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States opens October 7, 2022
By - posted 9/21/2022 No Comment

SOMArts’ Día de Los Muertos returns with its first public opening reception since 2019, on Friday, October 7, 2022. Now in its 23rd year and founded by beloved artist René Yañez, SOMArts’ annual Día de Los Muertos exhibition is one of the most internationally diverse Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States.

SOMArts’ annual Día de Los Muertos exhibition, beginning in mid-October and concluding around the time of the holiday itself, is a long-standing and beloved San Francisco tradition. Originated by visionary community artist and activist René Yañez, this exhibition honors René’s legacy as his son and curator Rio Yañez continues to illuminate the connection between the personal and the political through Day of the Dead.

Día de Los Muertos is a celebration that is continually in transition, as curator Rio Yañez encourages artists to extend beyond the traditional altar in order to look at personal loss, as well as local and global issues. In past years artists have created installations about contemporary issues including health care, the presidential election, gentrification and displacement, police brutality and immigration.

Curated by Rio Yañez and Anaís Azul, To Love and Be Loved in Return: Día de Los Muertos 2022 exemplifies how the love between us and our dead continue to help us to navigate the world.

SOMArts’ Día de Los Muertos exhibition unveiling and public opening reception is an all-ages event and will be held on Friday, October 7 from 6–9 pm, and features curatorial remarks, an artist market, and the launch of the René Yañez Legacy Fund.

SOMArts welcomes over 600 Bay Area students to learn about the traditional and contemporary celebrations of Día de Los Muertos. In addition to a docent tour of the gallery exhibition, students have the opportunity to create their own artwork in response to the themes of the exhibition.

Exhibiting Artists
Adrian Arias
Alica Cruz
Beth Benson
Crazy IN Style Artists
David Taffola
Gemma Castro
IIona Sturm
Lauren McAvoy
Lena Coletto
Lia Tealdi
Lorraine Bonner
Los Pobres Artistas
Malavika Rao
Mary Jhun
Michelle Bonilla Garcia
Susana Aragón
Victor-Mario Zaballa

SOMArts’ Día de Los Muertos
SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan Street, SF
Friday, October 7, 2022 – 6–9 PM
FREE and all ages; $10 suggested donation

Health & Safety: Guests are required to present proof of full COVID–19 vaccination. Those who are unable to receive the COVID–19 vaccination must bring a negative PCR test taken 48 hours prior to the day of the event. Masks are recommended when guests are not drinking.