objectives:

• Students will understand the culture of Mexico in regards to the celebration of the holiday El Dia de las Muertos (Day of the Dead)

• Students will create a diorama in the traditional Mexican folk art style

Preparation:

Show students examples of Day of the Dead dioramas by traditional Mexican artists:

woman on the phone
Gym with aerobics athletes
Boss chasing secretary
Wedding in civil service office
Husband having an affair
Mariachi band
Woman and Child
Wedding
Elvis
Dog and Cat
Rocker

Students should notice that the dead are portrayed as having a rich existence, with the same things that occur in life.  There is also a substantial element of humor and human foibles.  There are also other elements in these dioramas, including a mirror at the back to help bring light into the diorama, and bright colors and patterns.  Notice also the varieties of ways skeletons are painted and how they may have additional materials (cotton for hair, etc).

Students will draw sketches for a diorama, thinking of possiblities that could show how the dead will continue enjoying many of the same activities that the living do.

Students will create a box to house their diorama, using cardboard and kraft paper tape to seal the seams and edges.  The box can have open top and front, or open front only, and the option to close the front or top with glass is up to the student - they need to bring in glass if they choose this option.  Students will use tempera paint to decorate both the inside and outside of the box, unless they choose the glass option, in which case, they will decorate the outside after the glass is attached.

Students are encouraged to use ingenious adaptations:  toothpaste caps for lampshades, beads for bubbles, etc.  Students will use air dry clay to form the figures in the diorama, and any other accents.  Students use tempera paint to paint the dried skeleton figures.  Students can use balsa wood to create furniture, and should use scraps of fabric, etc. for details.  Students are encouraged to use bright colors and patterened design, and to make their diorama as bright as possible.  Remember to put a mirror on the back wall.

After the pieces are painted and dried, generous amounts of white glue are used to secure items in place.  After the pieces are securely attached, students may cut glass to fit, and edges are attached to box with paper tape.