A colorful “ofrenda,” Spanish poetry and art will adorn the Sheldon Museum of Art’s Great Hall and galleries in Celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Music, dancing and food will be part of two events celebrating the centuries old spiritual tradition that expresses the continuity of life by honoring the dead on their return to Earth for one day each year.

The museum’s Great Hall will be decorated starting Oct. 25. Papier-mache sculptures, masks and papel picados will hang from the windows. An ofrenda (altar) will be available for visitors to honor their loved ones. The small sculptures and masks used in the decorations will be available for purchase through a silent auction beginning Oct. 25 and closing Nov. 12. The Dia de los Muertos decor in the Great Hall will be on view through Nov. 15.

Two events are planned for the celebration:

On Oct. 31, from noon to 4 p.m., Sheldon will play host to a free Family Day. Events include a production of “The Migrant Farmworker’s Son” performed by Lincoln High School theater students, music from Mariachi Luna y Sol, art-making activities and an announcement proclaiming the winner in the Sheldon Calaveras contest. Mexican breads, chocolate and other traditional foods will be available for visitors.

On Nov. 12, from 7 to 10 p.m., there will be a Masquerade Ball in the Museum’s Great Hall featuring festive music by Mariachi Zapata. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and costumes in the spirit of Dia de los Muertos. Mexican beers, hors d’oeuvres and margaritas will be available. The silent auction ends at the end of the evening. Reservations, at $35 per person for the general public and $25 per person for Sheldon members, include one drink ticket and may be made by contacting Jennifer Cantrell at jcantrell2@unl.edu or (402) 472-1454.

For more information, go to www.sheldon.unl.edu.