East Salinas is coming to Carmel through art. 🎨🌼

From October 17–31, Carmel Modern will showcase work by artists who have come through the Hijos del Sol Open Arts Studio, culminating in our free Días a los Muertos celebration on October 31 with food, wine, art, music, Aztec youth dancers and families welcome. We expect the Mayors of Salinas and Carmel-by-the-Sea to join us as we bring these two communities together through creativity and culture.

We’re especially grateful to Carmel Modern gallery owner John Cromwell, who is generously lending his gallery to HDS free of charge for the entire exhibition and event.

Artwork will be auctioned with 50% of proceeds going directly to the artists and 50% supporting HDS. Guests are encouraged to dress as a favorite artist, creator or meaningful character — and families can enjoy the celebration before heading out to trick-or-treat through Carmel afterward. 🎃

And on October 24, 11 AM–2 PM, join José Ortiz and the HDS team at Carmel Modern for a free family workshop exploring Días a los Muertos through art and tradition.

Free. Family-friendly. Everyone is welcome. See the attached flyer for all the details!

Free Public Parking:
4 Torres St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Sunset Center Public Parking 8th Avenue &, Mission St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921

DÍAS A LOS MUERTOS — CARMEL MODERN MAIN EVENT

Saturday, October 31, 2026
4:00–7:30 PM
Carmel Modern, Carmel-by-the-Sea

RUN OF SHOW

4:00 PM — Doors Open / Gallery Reception
Guests arrive, view artwork, meet artists, bid in the auction, enjoy food and beverages, and explore the gallery installations.

4:30–5:00 PM — Possible Live Music / Gallery Experience
Possible live musical performance, subject to final confirmation. Guests continue viewing artwork, bidding, enjoying food and wine, meeting artists and exploring the installations.

5:00–5:15 PM — Official Welcome
Cristina Medina Dirksen serves as MC. Brief welcome from HDS and Carmel Modern, with remarks from the Mayors of Salinas and Carmel-by-the-Sea expected. Keep remarks short and welcoming.

5:15–5:40 PM — Gallery Reception Continues
Artwork viewing and bidding, food and wine, artist conversations, installations and background music.

5:40 PM — Yolotoxtli Children Aztec Dancers
Performance and planned procession around the block before returning to Carmel Modern, subject to final logistics and safety planning.

6:11 PM — Sunset Transition
Gather guests, shift the atmosphere of the gallery and transition into the remembrance portion of the evening.

6:11–6:30 PM — Meaning of Días a los Muertos
José G. Ortiz speaks about remembrance, family, culture, tradition and the meaning of Días a los Muertos. This is intended to be the emotional center of the evening.

6:30–7:15 PM — Immersive Gallery Experience
Projection, animation/live digital drawing, artist storytelling, remembrance participation, conversations with artists and final bidding.

7:15–7:30 PM — Final Bidding / Soft Close
Final auction reminder, donations, acknowledgments, thank-yous and a gentle close to the evening.

FIVE-SENSES EXPERIENCE

SEE:
Artwork by HDS artists, alumni and mentors; an ofrenda/remembrance installation; wall-mounted iPads featuring artist stories; projections, animation and live digital drawing; José Ortiz artwork and HDS visual storytelling.

HEAR:
Background music throughout the evening; possible live music beginning around 4:30 PM; Yolotoxtli children Aztec dancers around 5:40 PM; and José Ortiz’s sunset reflection.

TASTE:
Food representing East Salinas/Salinas hospitality, wine for adults if final service arrangements are completed, plus water and nonalcoholic beverages.

SMELL:
Cempasúchil/marigolds and other natural floral or food elements. No incense inside the gallery.

TOUCH / PARTICIPATE:
Guests can contribute to the remembrance installation using an “In Memory Of…” prompt, bid on artwork, interact with installations, meet the artists and potentially participate in face painting/Catrina-style elements if finalized.

RELATED FAMILY EVENT — OCTOBER 24

11:00 AM–2:00 PM — Free Family Días a los Muertos Workshop at Carmel Modern

Families are invited to join José G. Ortiz and the Hijos del Sol team to learn about Días a los Muertos, its traditions and meaning, and create artwork together in preparation for the October 31 celebration.

CURRENT PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

Josué David Rubio, Juan Carlos Padilla, Kay Villalobos, Jeronimo Sanchez, Allan McDonald, Abril McDonald, Jeyri Leon, Kim Talavera, Isabel Martinez, Melissa Enciso, Angel Hernández, Job Hernández, Angelica Cervantez, Dylan Garcia, Jessica Carrasco, Mia Garcia and José G. Ortiz..

OVERALL GOAL

Create a joyful, meaningful and visually memorable evening that connects East Salinas and Carmel, celebrates the artists themselves, provides direct economic benefit to participating artists, raises support for HDS and introduces new audiences to the creative community that has grown around the HDS Open Arts Studio.