RANCHO MIRAGE – Sunnylands Center & Gardens will spotlight the creativity of local artists and community groups during its annual celebration of Coachella Valley Days of Los Muertos from Oct. 25 to Oct. 29.
As many as eight local organizations, from Animal Samaritans to Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, will erect altars, or ofrendas, in the gardens as part of the observance of the Mexican holiday that honors the dead. Artists recruited by the non-profit Raices Cultura will decorate and paint nichos, or shadow boxes, for display in the gardens.
The public is invited to view the artworks from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 25-29. The public will find take-home arts and crafts activities attached to display boards throughout the gardens. Meanwhile, event-themed family activity kits will be available at the reception desk for use on-site.
Hours will be extended to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, when the altars and nichos will be lit and available for viewing at night. The public is encouraged to bring flashlights. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, visitors can participate in a drop-in workshop to create their own Día de los Muertos-themed arts and crafts. The activity is free, and reservations are not required.
Additionally, Desert Oasis Healthcare’s mobile clinic will be on-site on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering free health screenings, influenza vaccines, and the opportunity to speak with a DOHC primary care provider. COVID-19 vaccines will be available for DOHC members.
Sunnylands Center & Gardens is located at 37977 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage. Admission and parking are free.
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The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands
The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands is a nonprofit operating entity that hosts high-level retreats on serious issues facing the nation and the world. Programs offered through Sunnylands Center & Gardens educate the public about the history of Sunnylands, its architecture, art collections, cultural significance, and sustainable practices.
