Day Of The Dead Celebrations In Morristown Honor Mass Shooting Victims

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Coinciding with the Day of the Dead, two local Morristown businesses collaborated to create a new piece, which was created in remembrance and celebration of the lives of those who were killed in the May shootings in Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, New York—both of which occurred within a week of each other.

The Artist Baker and Colly Flowers have created an installation called "Opening the Gates/Instalacion del Día de los Muertos: Abriendo las Puertas" that transcends cultures and honors those who have died.

The altar has been decorated with flowers and will feature homemade sugar skulls and photographs, as well as personalized illustrations related to the victim's interests.

"As a passionate advocate for gun control, it was a no-brainer when Andrea asked me to collaborate on this. I’m honored to be able to express our collective grieving through art and flowers and hope this piece will forever leave an impact on those who visit," Colly Flower shop owner, Kori Gervasio said.

The Day of the Dead/El Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday observed from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 during which families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives.

According to tradition, the gates of heaven open at midnight on Oct. 31, allowing the spirits of the children to rejoin their families for 24 hours, making Nov. 1 "All Saints' Day." Adult spirits can do the same on Nov. 2, 'All Souls' Day.'

According to Jenna Castano, the director of marketing and communications, Lekberg from The Artist Baker was the "brainchild" behind the operation.

"We look to this installation and this community gathering to be part of the process of mourning. Having this altar in place for the week puts a lot into perspective and allows us to remember to celebrate those we have lost – you will see fun and colorful elements in the piece to reflect that," Lekberg said.

Morris Arts, founded in 1973, is a non-profit organization dedicated to community building through the arts. Morris Arts is a resource for Morris County, with a particular emphasis on arts programming in schools and communities, arts advocacy, creative placemaking and support for the Morris Area community of artists and arts organizations.

"This type of event is exactly what we aspire to achieve through our mission to build community through the arts. There’s nothing better than seeing local businesses collaborate, create art and gather in a space to enjoy and reflect on that art as a community," Morris Arts Executive Director, Tom Werder said.

The installation is being housed at the Morris Arts’ lobby at 14 Maple Avenue in Morristown and will be available to view until Nov. 7, according to officials.