Through Tuesday, Nov. 4, visitors to the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto may pick up free brochures and stickers designed by Argus and Endeavor High School students, featured as part of the center’s annual Día de los Muertos ofrenda on display in the Marie Damrell Gallo Grand Lobby.

Students in teacher Janelle Malagon’s Graphic Arts classes researched Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), wrote explanatory paragraphs about the annual tribute to departed loved ones, and used Adobe Photoshop to design tri-fold brochures and complementary stickers, which they cut on smart cutting machines.

Malagon’s involvement began through her mother-in-law, Laura Malagon, a member of the Ballet Folklórico Los Falcones dance group that coordinates the Gallo Center’s annual display. Producing educational literature is both a learning experience for students – many of whom, Malagon said, have only a “vague recollection” of Día de los Muertos traditions – and a way to help Gallo patrons better understand the history and culture behind the celebration.

“There’s so much to this tradition that’s not spoken of,” said Malagon. “The best part is that students share stories about their families, which is the point of the tradition. It’s actually really special.”

“The Día de los Muertos altars are a big hit with our patrons,” added Doug Hosner, the Gallo Center’s director of marketing and communications. “People come to see them not just when they are attending shows, but also during the daytime to take photographs. We’re so pleased with the student participation, and with all the efforts each year to make these altars as beautiful as they are.”

The display is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 4.