The Boneyfiddle Arts Center is doing its part to make sure this October includes as many cultural and entertainment opportunities as possible by hosting a month-long ‘Day of the Dead’ celebration.

Jamie Benedict, who serves as the organization’s Board secretary and co-chairwoman, said the ‘Day of the Dead’ celebration is based upon Mexico’s ‘Dia de los Muertos,’ a tradition in which they honor and remember loved ones who have died.

“It’s a month-long celebration and it’s a Mexican tradition for honoring loved ones who have died,” Benedict said. “It’s a way of rejoicing in their lives and offering them love. It’s also a blending of ancient Aztec and Spanish beliefs and it’s a real beautiful celebration because it’s humorous and joyful.”

Benedict added that the month will feature several events meant to interest people of various age groups.

“We have skull decorating and mask decorating, along with the art lecture series on surrealism, which have been fantastic,” Benedict said. “We’ve had two already and we have our third and fourth ones coming up this month.”

The Boneyfiddle Arts Center is still in the process of setting up their ‘Day of the Dead’ displays, but there’s already a large collection of art ready for the public to enjoy. The community is also welcome to add to the display by bringing a nonreturnable photo of their deceased loved one for the community memorial wall.

Other ‘Day of the Dead’ events include a jewelry making class scheduled for this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It costs $30 per person and is limited to those who are at least 17 years old. There will be events every Saturday until Oct. 29, when the month concludes with a Halloween Costume Party. There is a $400 cash prize for first place.

This is the first year the Boneyfiddle Arts Center has held the ‘Day of the Dead’ celebration, and Benedict said she hopes it is something the community will embrace.

“I think it will be really exciting for the community. It’s something new and we’re hoping that the community enjoys it,” Benedict said. “There’s a lot of education parts of it and a lot of new artwork to show. The traditional colors for the Day of the Dead are very vibrant and alive, so our whole Boneyfiddle Arts Center is really decked out in color and visual art. Everyone who comes in really excited and likes it.”

For more information, visit www.BoneyfiddleArtsCenter.org or call 740-876-9668. The Boneyfiddle Arts Center is open Tuesday through Saturday.

ERIC KEPHAS can be reached at 740-353-3101 ext. 234 or ekephas@heartlandpublications.com