FORT WAYNE — The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is pleased to present “Día de los Muertos,” on view Oct. 12 through Dec, 1.

Artists, families and community groups around the region were invited to honor a lost loved one or another important figure by constructing an altar in the museum.

Ancient civilizations throughout Latin America honored death as an essential part of life. After the Spanish conquest of Mexico, these rituals merged with Catholic observances of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. Modern Day of the Dead celebrations blend both cultures and continue to evolve, adapting new traditions as the holiday grows in popularity on both sides of the border.

The FWMoA exhibition features memorial altars, or ofrendas, places to leave offerings so the souls of the departed might find their way home and be nourished upon their arrival. Symbolic objects like sugar skulls, candles, colorful cut-tissue paper banners, bold marigolds and monarch butterflies fill a gallery in celebration. Evolving from altars built in the home to honor deceased loved ones, altars in public spaces are often constructed in remembrance of those who have died for a cause or as a result of injustice.

The public is invited to honor a loved one without constructing an altar by contributing to our Community Altar. Participants may submit the name of a loved one for staff to write on a butterfly, or they can complete the form to bring in a framed photo or other personal item to place on the altar.

To celebrate, the public is invited to join in a day of fun with the family celebrating at the Día de los Muertos Family Celebration on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 2-6 p.m. Guests will enjoy the gallery exhibition, traditional dancing, children’s activities, mariachi, folkloric characters, complimentary baked goods, cash bar and a Mexican food truck with items for purchase.

The celebration is free and open to the public.

Día de los Muertos Exhibition and Celebration at FWMoA is sponsored by Partners 1st Federal Credit Union and the Edward D. and Ione Auer Foundation.

FWMoA will also be hosting a free art workshop for the public as part of its Second Thursday event series on Oct. 10 from 5-7:30 p.m. Participants can learn about the cultural traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos with a workshop led by Indianapolis-based artist Beatriz Vasquez. Vasquez creates intricate paper artworks inspired by the Mexican folk art of papel picado and will lead attendees in making their own cut paper creation. Preview this year’s iteration of the beloved community Día de los Muertos exhibition, meet the participants and enjoy free admission, light appetizers and a cash bar. Second Thursday events are sponsored by ProFed Credit Union.

­General admission to see this exhibition at the museum is free for FWMoA members, $10 adults, $8 students and seniors 65+, and $25 for families. General admission is free for everyone on Thursdays 5-8 p.m. Veterans, active military personnel and their families receive free general admission. FWMoA gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10-6 p.m., Thursdays 10-8 p.m. and Sundays 12-5 p.m.

For more information, visit fwmoa.org.