P R E S S       R E L E A S E

For immediate release 
contact : Reyes Rodriguez,  Director
Art exhibition / Event 
phone / fax  213. 481.8112

LOS ANGELES honors the Dead, Art, Altars for Angelinos

OFRENDAS 2005Day of the Dead
ALTAR-INSTALLATIONS & CALAVERA FASHION SHOW 
Exhibition Date: NOVEMBER  2 - 19,
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5
Calavera Fashion Show 7 - 9 pm $5-$20
Artists Opening Reception 9 - 11pm
(Immediately following the Fashion Show)free

Tropico de Nopal Gallery - Art Space
1665 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles,CA  90026
(between Belmont & Union, 1 mile West of downtown LA)
(Echo Park / Downtown LA Area)
 http://www.tropicodenopal.com

Gallery Hours:  Tu - Fri: 12 noon - 4 pm;  Sat: 1- 5 pm 
LOS ANGELES, California - October 10, 2005 - Tropico de Nopal Gallery-Art Space celebrates and honors Dia de los Muertos with its sixth exhibition of OFRENDAS 2005 -Dia de los Muertos Altar- Installations and its third Calavera Fashion Show. Day of the Dead has its roots back to the time of the Aztec civilization coinciding with the Catholic holy days of All Saints' and all Souls'  - first and second day of November - dedicated to honor all those who have departed. In this very Mexican tradition death is feared and also embraced without denial, becoming the subject of humor and ridicule, and a reason for a day of national observance. In Los Angeles the tradition was revived by Mexican and Chicano artists over 30 years ago. Today celebrations are observed as far east as New York.

Tropico de Nopal Gallery - Art Space has devoted its celebrations to showcase Art Altar-Installations by inviting mid career and established artists of various disciplines. This year's  OFRENDAS 2005 artists include Chaz Bojorquez, Jose Lozano, Cindy Santos, Shizu Saldamando, Aida Salazar, William Franco & Micki Seifert - a multi- dimensional group of artists embodying a wide range of styles and mediums that provide fresh imagery and a departure from the current aesthetics associated with Chicano/Latino art. OFRENDAS 2005 includes two multi media artists and the first virtual altar at Tropico de Nopal.

The Calavera Fashion Show is a new tradition at Tropico - one that promises to remain as part of its celebration for many  years to come.The event was inspired by the elaborate costumes created by artists who have celebrated the event for the past 20 years and who have refined the look of a calavera.In its third year of existence, it has created an excitement among artists, participants and aficionados of the Dia de Los Muertos celebrations.  Reyes Rodriguez, founder, director and curator of the event has always envisioned the fashions to be another medium for artists to ultimately create "walking altars" - a couture for the deceased and the utmost offering. Artists confirmed for this year's Calavera Fashion Show are Will Herron III, Consuelo Flores, Rigo Maldonado, Margaret Guzman, Robert Quijada, Cici Segura,  Victoria Delgadillo and  Maria Castro among some , as well as local designersOrquidia Velasquez, Araceli Silva, Miguel Torres

The evening will kick off with a special break-street dance performance by LA's own Air Force Crew, complemented with the participation of the costumes of the Brazilian dance Group Viver Brasil featuring Yansã Bale Collection, Host for the evening will be Rick Nunhes and music will be provided by San Diego's favorite DJ Tanner Blackman.

Outdoor Altars will be created by Linda Arreola, Angelo Logan, Good Shepherd Women's Center and a collaborative community altar honoring fellow artist Joseph Beckles who recently lost his battle with cancer.

The Calavera Fashion Show is scheduled from 7pm to 9pm,  $7(general)-$20(seats) general tickets bought at the door only, seats will be sold in advance; the Artists Opening Reception is scheduled from 9pm to 11pm  (the gallery doors will open immediately following the fashion show )and its free.  There will be plenty of art, food, drinks and music.
The altar-installations exhibition will continue through

November 19 during gallery hours. 
Tropico de Nopal Gallery-Art Space is an independent gallery dedicated to exhibiting and promoting contemporary emerging and mid-career artists through cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary art forms.