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What to Expect
an afternoon of remembrance, creativity, and tradition.
Who do you carry with you? Join Luminaria Art Studio for a Día de los Muertos gathering where remembrance becomes something you can make and hold.
Inspired by New Mexico’s retablo tradition, you’ll paint a personal image on wood in honor of someone, somewhere, or something that continues to guide you. Your subject can be a loved one, an ancestor, a beloved pet, or a symbol of comfort and strength. No painting experience is needed.
Through a shared tribute, stories, and time to create, we’ll explore the history of retablos and the meaning of Día de los Muertos. You’ll leave with a finished piece and a moment set aside to remember. All materials are provided.
We’re honored to welcome Marisa Santos, curendera, who will offer limpias—traditional spiritual cleansings—during the workshop. At the end of class, Marisa will bless the ofrenda, bringing our time together to a meaningful close as we honor and remember our loved ones.
Details on tools & materials:
1 custom stencil of a loved one (email photo reference to luminariaartstudionm@gmail.com)
Wood retablo measuring 5”W × 7”H
Stencils for decorative elements and motifs
Acrylic paints, markers, and pens
Creative freedom to personalize your piece and make it your own
⚠️ REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS 10/28
Date
November 1, 2026
Time
1 - 4 PM
Location
Artisan ABQ
3017 Monte Vista Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
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Frequently Asked Questions
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You’ll paint a personal retablo: an image on wood that honors someone you remember or something that gives you comfort, guidance, or strength.
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No. New Mexican retablos have a rich devotional history, but your painting can reflect what is meaningful to you. A portrait, flower, place, animal, or personal symbol is welcome.
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We’ll gather for a remembrance tribute, learn about Día de los Muertos and New Mexico’s retablo tradition, then spend time creating. There will be an opportunity to share or offer your finished piece as part of the closing tribute.
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No. After you register, email us the photo you’d like to use. We’ll turn it into a stencil for you to paint onto your retablo during the workshop.
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Choose a clear photo of the person, pet, or meaningful image you want to honor. A well-lit image with a distinct subject works best for a stencil.
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If you’d rather paint a symbol or another image, email us your idea so we can help prepare a stencil that feels right for your piece.
