Texas Border Business
McAllen, TX – Fall is a perfect season for visiting the International Museum of Art & Science to enjoy themed events and activities at two of its biggest programs of the year. The IMAS kicks off fall cultural programming with its annual Halloween Bash and Dia de
Celebrate All Hallows’ Eve at the annual Halloween Bash on Saturday, October 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a pumpkin carving contest, planetarium presentations, optical Halloween art, skull touch table, ghost scavenger hunt, and guided gallery tours. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume and participate in the costume parades at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. This year’s event will feature a display of artistically carved pumpkins. Community members can enter this contest and the most creative design, voted on by visitors, will win an IMAS Family Membership! The deadline to enter the contest is October 18, and more information can be found on the IMAS website at https://theimasonline.org or at (956)681-2800.
New and on exhibit this October 20 through November 17 is Altar de Muertos, an exhibition of art representing the spirit of the Day of the Dead in conjunction with the annual display of community altars. The exhibit includes the work of 17 artists, each one representing one of the altar offerings. The cempasúchil flower, the sugar skull, and the candle among others, from the artist’s particular vision, honoring death and life take this beautiful tradition of the Day of the Dead altars beyond our frontiers. Altar de Muertos is presented by the Asociación de la Plástica de Garza García A. C. An opening reception will be held on October 20, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
On the Day of the Dead, Saturday, November 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. the museum will come alive with a colorful celebration! Visitors can paint calavera art, view community altars on display, learn about skeletons, and make a traditional sugar skull ($3 per participant), and explore our fine galleries. A vendor market will be on site with handmade goods and traditional pieces, rebozos, a face painter, and delicious food and snacks.
Dr. Servando Z. Hinojosa, faculty member of the Department of Anthropology at UTRGV, presents a special lecture “Mexico, Bones, and Life” at 2:00 p.m. Mexico has for many years been associated with skulls and skeletal images. These make up a large part of its visual and archaeological inventory, but why have past peoples used these symbols, and how have their meanings endured? This presentation will walk through some of the skeletal pages of Mexico’s past and address these questions.
“I always look forward to the festive costumes and fun hands-on activities. Planning the Día de los Muertos Festival has even brought me closer to my Mexican roots. There is much to learn about the holiday’s symbolism. Both events make for an enjoyable time for visitors of all ages.”
Entertainment at the Dia de
Halloween Bash and Dia de los Muertos activities are included in the cost of General Admission and free for IMAS Members. WIC and EBT cardholders can attend the museum for $1 per person.
