Join us for Art & Souls (Arte y Almas)
An educational, fun-filled Community Event
An educational, fun-filled Community Event
|
Together with the exceptionally talented artist Gloria Contreras, The Prairie State College Foundation brings you Art & Souls - Arte y Almas, the 2025 Prairie State College Dia de Muertos Community Event — open to the general public, October 20 - 23, 2025 in the PSC Atrium.
Gloria, also known as Xicantl brings her Alebrijes and table of remembrance to showcase. We hope you will join us in honoring the vibrant traditions of Dia de los Muertos with an immersive cultural experience featuring the stunning work of local artist Xicantl. Week of Events
Complimentary
Available for Purchase
NOTE: Scroll to the bottom of this page for a map of Event locations.
|
We are inviting the Community to join us:
Community Decorated Remembrance Tables
You are invited to take part in a cherished tradition of honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed.
Each remembrance table is a unique tribute — decorated with photos, flowers, candles, and mementos — celebrating the lives, stories, and spirits of those we hold dear. By contributing to a remembrance table, you not only honor your loved ones but also share their memory with the community, weaving together a beautiful tapestry of memories, love, and celebration.
Whether large or small, traditional or creative, your remembrance table will help bring this meaningful tradition to life.
Join us in remembering together — create an remembrance table, celebrate their spirit, and keep the tradition alive. These are first come first serve so RSVP for your table today!
Each remembrance table is a unique tribute — decorated with photos, flowers, candles, and mementos — celebrating the lives, stories, and spirits of those we hold dear. By contributing to a remembrance table, you not only honor your loved ones but also share their memory with the community, weaving together a beautiful tapestry of memories, love, and celebration.
Whether large or small, traditional or creative, your remembrance table will help bring this meaningful tradition to life.
Join us in remembering together — create an remembrance table, celebrate their spirit, and keep the tradition alive. These are first come first serve so RSVP for your table today!
This Community Event Will Showcase:
THE ARTIST
Works on Display in the Atrium
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 8pm
Artwork
Original works by Xicantl, whose art blends ancestral symbolism, contemporary design, and deep cultural roots ––
highlighting the beauty and resilience of Mexican identity. |
Vertical Divider
OfrendaA traditional remembrance table (ofrenda) adorned with candles, marigolds, photographs, and offerings –– inviting us to reflect, remember, and celebrate loved ones who have passed.
|
Vertical Divider
Alebrijies
Alebrijes (fantastical spirit animals) –– colorful, hand-crafted sculptures inspired by Mexican folklore and brought to life through Xicantl's imaginative artistry.
|
We invite you to honor your loved ones by bringing a framed copy of a family photo to be placed on the shared remembrance table.
Whether you choose to decorate your own community remembrance tables or you bring a photo for the shared remembrance table — both are beautiful ways to celebrate and remember.
Note: We ask that you bring something you’re comfortable leaving as part of this shared tribute as photos will not be returned.
Whether you choose to decorate your own community remembrance tables or you bring a photo for the shared remembrance table — both are beautiful ways to celebrate and remember.
Note: We ask that you bring something you’re comfortable leaving as part of this shared tribute as photos will not be returned.
MEET & GREET WITH THE ARTIST, XICANTL
In the Atrium | Thursday: Noon - 1pm
Enter Door M5 or M7
Enter Door M5 or M7
|
This is your opportunity to talk with an immensely popular artist with talents that range from celebrations like the Mexican Independence Day celebration in Cicero, Arts in the Dark Parade in Chicago, and Day of the Dead Festival in both Blue Island and in Homewood. She has also showcased her work at the Tamale Hut Gallery, Mexican Cultural Center, and Chicago city hall. Furthermore, her passion for Mexican culture has made her a keynote speaker at several Chicago area schools.
|
Fantastic Event Activities:
Daily Crafts
Crafts are complimentary and include:
In the Atrium
Monday-Wednesday: 10am - 1pm Thursday: 10am to Noon 
|
Vertical Divider
Authentic Mexican Cuisine
|
Enjoy Wonderful Music:
MEXICAN FOLK MUSIC
Evening Concert by Sones de México Ensemble
Barnes & Noble Auditorium | Thursday: 7 - 8pm (doors open at 6pm)
Enter At Conference Center
Enter At Conference Center
|
This Complimentary Event Is Open To The CommunityPromoting Mexican folk music through award-winning programs since 1994. Sones de México Ensemble is the country’s premier folk music organization specializing in Mexican ‘son’, including the regional styles of huapango, gustos, chilenas, son jarocho, and more.
|
This heartfelt week of events invites guests of all ages to explore meaningful traditions, connect with community, and celebrate life through art, memory, and music.
MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
9am - 9pm Alebrijes/Ofrenda on display in Atrium |
9am - 9pm Alebrijes/Ofrenda on display in Atrium |
9am - 9pm Alebrijes/Ofrenda on display in Atrium |
9am - 9pm Alebrijes/Ofrenda on display in Atrium |
10am - 1pm Crafts (coloring, face painting, crown making, etc) in Atrium |
10am - 1pm Crafts (coloring, face painting, crown making, etc) in Atrium |
10am - 1pm Crafts (coloring, face painting, crown making, etc) in Atrium |
10am - Noon Crafts (coloring, face painting, crown making, etc) in Atrium |
11am - 1pm Food Truck outside door M5 |
11am - 1pm Food Truck outside door M5 |
11am - 1pm Food Truck outside door M5 |
11am - 1pm Food Truck outside door M5 |
11am - 1pm - Community Decorated Remembrance Tables set up in Conference Center |
11am - 1pm Community Decorated Remembrance Tables set up in Conference Center |
NA |
11am - Noon Butterfly Alebrijes Painting in Atrium (for PSC faculty and staff) |
NA |
NA |
NA |
12 - 1pm Artist Meet and Greet in AtriumNA |
4 - 6 pm Community Decorated Remembrance Tables set up in Conference Center |
4 - 6 pm Community Decorated Remembrance Tables set up in Conference Center |
NA |
7 - 8pm Sones de Mexico in AuditoriumNA |
1pm - 8pm Community Decorated Remembrance Tables on display in Conference Center |
8am - 8pm Community Decorated Remembrance Tables on display in Conference Center |
8am - 8pm Community Decorated Remembrance Tables n display in Conference Center |
8am - 8pm Community Decorated Remembrance Tables on display in Conference Center |
