El Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, provides a way for people to embrace the beauty of life and to honor the spirits of the dead. Intricate, traditional altars and complex art installations created by more than 80 Bay Area artists from a breadth of cultural backgrounds are on display in Illuminations: Dia de los Muertos 2011. Altars and installations range from deeply personal to political and many invite contribution or interaction from visitors.

The theme “Illuminations” was chosen by curators René and Rio Yañez to symbolize a source of light for spiritual and intellectual reflection. This year’s exhibition is dedicated to community pillar and Mission District business owner Marta Sanchez, Adrian Burgueño and renowned artist Pablo Picasso.

SOMArts Cultural Center Bay Gallery
934 Brannan Street (between 8th and 9th Streets)
San Francisco, CA  94103

Gallery Hours:  Tuesday – Friday, 12 – 7PM
Saturday 11AM – 5PM
Sunday 11AM – 3PM

Cost: Entrance to the Bay Gallery is free

Info: 415-863-1414 or http://www.somarts.org <http://www.somarts.org>