**Museum of Art, Center for Women and Gender Equity, and ArtPush.org Present:
Día de los Muertos Collage Workshop with Studio 23 Gallery Artist Jessica Warren**
Mixed Media Collage on Canvas Board inspired by Offrendas
The Museum of Art, in collaboration with the Center for Women and Gender Equity and the nonprofit arts organization ArtPush.org, proudly hosted a vibrant and community-centered Día de los Muertos Collage Workshop led by Studio 23 Gallery artist Jessica Warren and Center For Women and Gender Equity’ Director Sharon Sobotta. The event brought together participants of all ages to honor loved ones & victims of gender violence, to explore cultural traditions, and experience the healing power of creative expression.
Held during the autumn season, the workshop celebrated the rich heritage of Día de los Muertos, a tradition that embraces remembrance, storytelling, and the joy of connection. Under the guidance of Warren—an artist known for her art, mostly paintings, collaborative art projects and dedication to community arts engagement—attendees were invited to craft altars in the form of collage on canvas-board.
A Space for Reflection, Celebration, and Creative Freedom
Participants were encouraged to bring photos, meaningful symbols, or printed materials to personalize their collages. ArtPush.org provided a wide array of materials, including colorful papers, fabric, found imagery, and traditional motifs, tissue paper for marigold flowers, sugar skull templates, and papel picado pattern ideas.
The welcoming environment fostered by the Museum of Art and the Center for Women and Gender Equity made the workshop not only a creative space, but also a supportive one—particularly for those processing grief or commemorating loved ones. Laughter, stories, and thoughtful conversations filled the room as participants created pieces that were as unique as the memories they honored.
Community Collaboration at Its Best
This multi-organization partnership underscored the power of community collaboration.
The Museum of Art offered an inspiring setting.
* The Center for Women and Gender Equity ensured an inclusive, reflective, and affirming atmosphere for participants from all backgrounds.
* Sharon Sobotta brought in news clippings, biographies that reflected those who were sadly lost too soon due to gender violence. The photos and biographies of those passed were featured, often framed in the mixed media collage art inspired by Ofrendas.
* ArtPush.org continued its mission of making the arts accessible by sponsoring materials, outreach and artist support.
* Studio 23 Gallery’s Jessica Warren created her Ofrenda inspired collage art alongside the students, honoring her Mother who was a victim of physical abuse.
The result was a dynamic workshop that blended culture, education, artistic exploration, and emotional connection.
Celebrating Identity and Cultural Heritage
Participants walked away not only with completed collages, but with a deeper understanding of Día de los Muertos and its significance. The workshop was a safe space to connect with each other about ancestors, loved ones and victims of gender based violence. It was an opportunity to celebrate identity and heal through the language of visual art.
Looking Ahead
The success of the event has laid the groundwork for future collaborations between the Museum of Art, the Center for Women and Gender Equity, ArtPush.org, and Studio 23 Gallery. Plans for additional cultural arts workshops and community programs are already underway.
For those seeking a welcoming space to create, reflect, and connect, the Día de los Muertos Collage Workshop offered a memorable and heartfelt celebration—one shaped by art, community, and the shared experience of honoring lives that continue to inspire.