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Día de los Muertos, a tribute to César Chávez at the California Museum, Sacramento, California

Dia de los Muertos Altar in tribute to Cesar Chavez and farm workers
Flowers for César Chávez, 2025 Relief print collage and archival photos 8’ x 12’

This work honors the life and enduring legacy of César Chávez and the countless farmworkers whose labor has sustained this nation. Created in response to today’s political climate and the ongoing persecution of immigrant communities, the piece stands as both a tribute and a defiance. Chávez’s courage, advocacy, and organizing not only transformed labor conditions for generations of workers but also elevated the dignity and quality of their lives. His vision, alongside the United Farm Workers and the broader movement, advanced human rights and gave voice to those too often overlooked.

a printmaking based collage with archival photos of cesar chavez and farmworkers
Flowers for César Chávez, 2025 Relief print collage and archival photos 8’ x 12’

This mural-sized tribute is dedicated not only to Chávez, his family, and the United Farm Workers, but above all to the men and women who continue to toil in difficult, unseen conditions. Their dedication, sacrifice, and contributions to the nation’s survival remain vital yet underrecognized. The work is offered as a labor of love, affirming their humanity and resilience while standing against rhetoric that seeks to diminish them.

an installation view of the dia de los muertos altars at the california museum in sacramento
Recuerdos Illustrados, installation view, California Museum, Sacramento, CA

Recuerdos Illustrados 
The California Museum

On view October 11 – November 16, 2025

A journey through life, love and death, Recuerdos Ilustrados: Día de los Muertos 2025 (Illustrated Memories: Day of the Dead 2025) features contemporary altars and artwork by artists from Southern California and the Central Valley.

Opening at the Museum’s Día de los Muertos Fiesta on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, the annual exhibit explores the Mexican cultural tradition of honoring deceased loved ones each year on November 1 and 2 by creating calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls), altares de muertos (altars of the dead) and ofrendas (offerings), which has evolved from the Aztecs to modern day Mexico and California. This year’s exhibit features the work of printmaking artists Álvaro D. Márquez, Stephanie Mercado, and Daniel Villa, whose altars will be centered around the topic of immigration.