Lone Star College-Montgomery's Center for the Arts presents Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, featuring the artwork of Lizbeth Ortiz on display October 5 through November 11. There will be an opening reception on Monday, November 2, from 12-2 p.m. in the Mary Matteson-Parrish Art Gallery (building D).
Ortiz will exhibit her work in honor of Dia de los Muertos. This centuries-old tradition is a day to reflect upon family, friends and loved ones. The works reflect those who have impacted her life and honor each of their spirits. Ortiz currently works with the Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts Center (MECA), which has led to one of the largest Day of the Dead celebrations in Houston.
Ortiz explained, “My passion for the arts can easily be described as capturing the innocence of my culture, the violence of a world that surrounds me and the tenderness of people I encounter and love.”
Carlos Landa, professor of art at LSC-Montgomery's, is excited about the exhibit.
“Dia de los Muertos is not a Halloween party. It’s a natural reflection on the lives of those who have died,” said Landa. “In Mexican culture, those whom we loved are immortal in our hearts, our families, friends and culture. We are excited to host this exhibition here at LSC-Montgomery, sharing with our community the art and expression of this important and traditional Mexican event.”
Lizbeth Ortiz was born in Mexico City and moved with her family to the United States when she was very young. It wasn’t until later in life, when Ortiz had the opportunity to live in Mexico City, that she realized what culture and tradition meant to her. Culture and tradition to her became more clear as she began looking at her life and the intricate details her parents had deliberately woven into her character. Her upbringing was the start of a Mexican American culture of uniqueness that signified pride in the past, honesty, faith, and love of family.
Ortiz graduated from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston. Since graduating she has attended the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where she majored in fine arts and fashion design. She was also named the Official Artist of the 2008 Latin Grammy Awards in which her work was featured on the invitations, show tickets, poster and program book.
The Mary Matteson-Parrish Art Gallery is a teaching gallery at LSC-Montgomery, and the presentations and artwork provided are free to the community. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on Ortiz, visit her Web site at http://www.lizbethortiz.com/. For information about the arts at LSC-Montgomery, visit www.LoneStar.edu/arts-montgomery.htm or call Denise Meyers at (936) 273-7021.
LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273-7000, or visit LoneStar.edu/montgomery.
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Center, LSC-University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. With more than 58,000 students in credit classes this fall, LSCS is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and third largest community college system in Texas. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.