Celebrating Life Through Art: Día de los Muertos at the Carlotta K. Petrina Cultural Center
This weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to be part of the Día de los Muertos Celebration of Life exhibition at the Carlotta K. Petrina Cultural Center in downtown Brownsville.
The center has long been a creative heartbeat for the community, offering classes in art, music, and cultural expression. Their mission, to create opportunities for everyone to experience and learn through the arts, feels especially alive during events like this one.
A Night Filled with Art, Memory, and Community
The opening reception was warm and full of energy. Artists, friends, and families gathered to celebrate this special exhibition, filling the space with conversation and laughter.
Zulema Phillips, president of the BTX Art League, opened the evening with a heartfelt welcome before inviting each artist to introduce themselves and share a bit about their work. Listening to everyone speak about their creative process and inspiration reminded me how deeply personal art can be and how it often carries stories of identity, family, and tradition.
As we moved through the gallery, guests were invited to enjoy traditional treats, including pan de muerto, the soft, sweet bread that is such a meaningful part of Día de los Muertos. The scent of the bread, the vibrant colors of the artwork, and the hum of voices created a beautiful atmosphere of remembrance and connection.
My Piece: “Day of the Dead”
I felt truly honored to have my painting, Day of the Dead, included in this exhibition. This piece is a reflection of my personal journey, an effort to celebrate this traditional Mexican experience as a way to reconnect with my indigenous roots and honor those who came before me.
As I stood nearby and watched people stop to admire the artwork, I felt a quiet sense of gratitude. Sharing something so deeply personal and seeing others respond to the exhibition in general reminded me why I create in the first place, to connect, to heal, and to remember.
Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present
The evening felt like more than just an art reception, it was a shared moment of remembrance. Through color, texture, and emotion, each artist offered their own way of honoring loved ones who have passed away.
I left the event feeling inspired and grateful to be part of such a talented and supportive community. It’s moments like these that remind me how powerful art can be in bringing people together, not just to celebrate culture, but to keep it alive.
Reflection: Art as a Bridge Between Worlds
For me, this experience reaffirmed how deeply art and healing are intertwined. Creating and sharing art rooted in tradition helps us reconnect with the parts of ourselves that modern life often pushes aside: the quiet wisdom of ancestry, the rituals that remind us who we are, and the beauty found in remembering.
In honoring the past, we also nourish the present. Every brushstroke and every shared story becomes a bridge between worlds.
Carlotta K. Petrina Cultural Center
📍 1452 E. Madison St.
Brownsville, TX 78520
📞 (956) 280-6522
🗓️ Celebration of Life Exhibition on view through November 22
The Creative Scene 