Creating installations of Altars in sítu is ideal. I combine traditional and non traditional elements for any background. My approach is that we all have someone we lost and want to honor and celebrate. It is open to everyone everyday. We are united in celebrating our dearly departed. We honor them. We have suffered much loss collectively. This is a way to alchemise the pain of grief into an expression of gratitude for having had that person place or pet in our lives.

I find it in talks with those whose loved ones have been included in my altars. They lead is to reflect, re-center and realign. I draw it from a paper marigold at the ofrenda at home. I draw it in from the parents of children who are lost to mass shootings and find the strength to do altars en masse. Altars for our lost loved ones are tangible ways of healing The assemblage is as important as the take down while each object must be chosen with sincerity and regards for their journey.

I would reach out to a local non profit in an area of impact to do workshops for altars and do a permanent remembrance in a quiet space for reflection to aid in healing from grief. It would be a nationwide endeavor as we embrace the power of what art can do to build bridges and recover from crippling grief.