Artists' Sweet Treat Creations Sought For Aurora's Sugar Skull City

AURORA, IL — Sugar Skull City is making its return to downtown Aurora this fall and as a way of commemorating the Day Of the Dead, the city is inviting local artisans to put their creativity on display celebrating a traditional sweet treat.

Aurora Downtown officials announced on Wednesday that as part of the Day of the Dead festivities, the downtown district will again host a Sugar Skull City-themed art and market from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Society 57 on Saturday, Nov. 5.

The Sugar Skull City display downtown will run between Oct. 15 and Nov. 6 to coincide with Day of the Dead events during First Fridays on Nov. 4. Sugar Skull City was started in 2020 and features dozens of participating Aurora businesses, a scavenger hunt, and activities for residents of all ages.

As part of this year’s event, organizers said that they are asking artists of all skill levels to create a unique piece of artwork depicting pan de Muerto, a traditional Mexican sweet bread that is made to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

Artists, community members, youth, and families are being asked to honor the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) holiday by creating an unframed 12” x 18” work depicting pan de Muerto that can be displayed in business windows in downtown Aurora.

Local residents may participate by creating a 2D artwork of pan de Muerto in the style and media of the artist’s choice. Once completed, the artwork will be displayed in storefronts as part of Aurora Downtown's Sugar Skull City events, and community members are invited to view them through Nov. 6.

Once the artwork is completed, residents should send a PDF of their submission to info@auroradowntown.org or drop the artwork off to Aurora Fastprint, Inc. along with their name, title, city, and contact info no later than Oct 1 (drop off or email) to be included in the show. Originals can be picked up the week of October 17.

No late submissions will be accepted. Artists should notify contest organizers by email if originals are dropped off, and/or will be picked up.

Participants who have their print displayed in a storefront will receive a $25 gift card from a downtown business (randomly drawn). There is one entry per household and rules do not apply to school groups or other organizations with multiple submissions.

Prints of submitted works could be available to the public for purchase for a donation to benefit Athziry Dia de Los Muertos 501(c)(3) at First Fridays on November 4 and/or Art and Market from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on November 5 at Society 57.

For more information about the art contest, click here.